Thursday, December 9, 2010

Eradicating Invasive Mink

The American mink came to northeastern Scotland during the last century and has been driving out native species and harming ecosystems. The water vole was one of its biggest victims whose population dropped 96% since the 1950's. Because of this, Scientists and volunteers joined forces to eradicate the American mink from Scotland. The project was over 3 years and 186 volunteers helped remove 376 invasive mink. Early signs of the water vole comeback are already being seen in Scotland and some of the land is thought to be free of mink breeding. To read more about the American mink eradication project, click here.