Home / Environment / Mink Menace Threatens Water Voles in North Pennines
Mink Menace Threatens Water Voles in North Pennines
23 Jun
Summary
- Invasive American mink detected, posing a severe threat to water voles.
- DNA sampling reveals endangered crayfish in two becks.
- Water vole numbers have seen a 97% decline since 1950.
Invasive American mink have been detected in the North Pennines fellsides, prompting the deployment of traps to protect endangered water voles. Eden Rivers Trust volunteers utilized environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, a cost-effective and less disruptive survey method, to identify species in local watercourses.
The analysis confirmed the presence of critically endangered white-clawed crayfish in two becks, though their numbers have declined in previously monitored areas. Water voles were identified in five watercourses, but were absent from nine previously positive locations. Alarmingly, five of these areas tested positive for American mink.
Environmental groups highlight that American mink are non-native predators responsible for a staggering 97% decline in water vole populations since 1950. Once common, water voles are now listed as endangered, facing severe pressure from invasive species.
