What technology is being used to detect and eliminate stoats in Orkney?

The project is using an artificial intelligence system, thermal cameras, and a network of over 9,000 lethal traps to detect and eliminate the invasive stoat population.

How has the Orkney Native Wildlife Project impacted the local bird populations?

The project has led to a 1,267% increase in the chance of curlew hatchings, a 218% rise in vole activity, and a 64% increase in hen harrier numbers since it began in 2019.

Why is the Orkney Native Wildlife Project important for the region's biodiversity?

Orkney is home to 11% of the UK's breeding seabirds and 25% of its hen harriers, as well as the unique Orkney vole, making it a crucial area for conservation efforts.

Home / Environment / Cutting-Edge Tech Helps Eradicate Stoat Threat to Orkney's Rare Birds

Cutting-Edge Tech Helps Eradicate Stoat Threat to Orkney's Rare Birds

18 Oct, 2025

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Summary

Stoats pose existential threat to Orkney's native birds
AI-powered cameras and trapping teams deployed to detect and eliminate stoats
Project has led to 1,267% increase in curlew hatchings, 218% rise in vole activity, and 64% increase in hen harriers

Cutting-Edge Tech Helps Eradicate Stoat Threat to Orkney's Rare Birds

In October 2025, Orkney's conservation efforts to protect its rare native birds from an invasive stoat population are showing promising results. For the past six years, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Scotland has been leading a major project to eliminate the stoat threat, which arrived on the islands around 2011 and has since spread rapidly.

The project has deployed a range of advanced technologies, including an artificial intelligence system trained to detect stoats' sinuous movements, thermal cameras that can spot them even in the dark, and a network of over 9,000 lethal traps. Specially trained detection dogs have also been used to help locate the remaining stoats.