2010-11 Skye and Lochalsh Mink Monitoring Project – Final Meeting

Full results of the Skye and Lochalsh Mink Monitoring Project will be presented at a meeting in Tigh na Sgire, Portree, Isle of Skye on Thursday 26 May at 7.30pm.

The Skye and Lochalsh Mink Monitoring Project has now been running for one year, funded by the European Community Highland LEADER 2007-2013 Programme, Scottish Natural Heritage and The Highland Council.

The project was run in two phases, the first between August and October 2010 to coincide with the dispersal of young animals to new territories and the second between February and May 2011 during the mating period of the mink.

Over this time over sixty local volunteers collected data and sent in details of mink sightings and damage throughout Skye and Lochalsh. This has provided an overall picture of the extent and impact of this invasive species on the biodiversity, fishing and crofting interests of Skye and Lochalsh.

The survey has revealed a well established population of mink in Skye and Lochalsh with some areas showing higher mink activity than others. These sites are coastal for the most part and along the banks of the major river systems. The results so far suggest that a higher incidence of mink is encountered during the dispersion period, when young mink seek to establish new territories away from the maternal dens.

Full results of the Mink Monitoring Project will be presented at a meeting in Tigh na Sgire, Portree on 26 May at 7.30pm. Speakers will include:

• Ian Macleod, Project Manager of the Hebridean Mink Project;
• Gunnar Scholtz, Highland Mink Control Officer with the Scottish Mink Initiative; and
• Elaine Fraser, Ph.D. Student at Aberdeen University currently studying Mink on the West Coast.

The meeting will be opened by Audrey Sinclair, Highland Councillor for Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh.