Home / Environment / Mink Traps Deployed to Save Water Voles
Mink Traps Deployed to Save Water Voles
20 Jun
Summary
- Invasive American mink detected, posing a serious threat.
- Water vole numbers have seen a 97% decline since 1950.
- New eDNA sampling method is cost-effective and quicker.
Traps have been set for invasive American mink following tests confirming their presence in the North Pennines. Volunteers from the Eden Rivers Trust used advanced eDNA sampling, analyzing environmental samples for traces of water voles, white-clawed crayfish, and American mink.
Encouragingly, new water vole populations were discovered, offering a glimmer of hope for this endangered species. However, white-clawed crayfish, a critically endangered species, were notably absent from several previously recorded locations.
The presence of American mink, a non-native predator, is a major concern. These animals are known to pose a significant threat to water voles, contributing to a drastic population decline of 97% since 1950. The trust aims to quickly eradicate these invasive mink.
The eDNA sampling method proved to be more cost-effective and less disruptive than traditional survey techniques. Findings from 19 watercourses revealed a mix of positive developments and serious threats to the UK's freshwater species.
