An ambitious eradication project aims to remove all feral ferrets and rats from Rathlin Island, boosting the recovery of the wildlife they threaten.
Northern Ireland’s only inhabited island is home to the country’s largest seabird colony, hosting Puffins, Black Guillemots and Fulmars, as well as breeding Corncrakes and Great Skuas. However, invasive, non-native rats and ferrets have taken a terrible toll on native wildlife, preying on seabird nests in particular.
Invasive, non-native rats and ferrets have taken a terrible toll on native wildlife
Puffin numbers have fallen by 74% since 1999, Manx Shearwaters have been completely extirpated, and other species have also been hit hard. In October 2023, the Rathlin Acting for Tomorrow (LIFE Raft) project started the feral ferret eradication phase of the project – a world first. This partnership project, co-led by the RSPB, is laying and remotely monitoring traps across the island, even dangling off the edge of cliffs to put them in place.
The local community has played a key part; some are employed with the project and the whole community will benefit from increased eco-tourism and the ability to keep poultry that wildlife recovery could bring.
This project is funded by EU LIFE, National Lottery Heritage Fund, and DAERA. Find out more: The LIFE Raft project.
