There’s no doubt the subject of invasive species can be challenging, especially within conservation. Our native species are at risk from a multitude of threats including climate change, habitat loss, and pollution, to name a few. One way or another, the trail of breadcrumbs inevitably leads back to one common denominator: human interference. Adding to this sombre list is the tale of the non-native invasives, with the unfortunate, slinky villain of the piece often being the American Mink (pictured above).
A member of the Mustelid family, so related to Badgers and Otters, Mink were intentionally released, or escaped, from British fur farms in the 1950s and 1960s. Since then, these semi-aquatic carnivores have been romping about the countryside and waterways, gobbling up pretty much anything they can get their chops on and causing general ecosystem chaos. Amongst other threats, a species which has taken a heavy Mink-based hit is the Water Vole. Once a staple of British rivers, these charismatic nibblers are now dwindling and are listed as endangered on the conservation Red List for both Great Britain and England.
It is, of course, not the Mink’s fault that they are such dynamic predators, but they should never have been introduced here. Our native species have not evolved to coexist with Mink, whereas they have developed strategies around native predators such as Otter and Marsh Harrier. In working to undo our wrongs, and to preserve and restore populations of our precious native wildlife, conservation organisations are often required to make difficult choices. These include how to manage invasive species, whether this be removing beautiful but habitat-invading Himalayan Balsam, reporting sightings of Asian Hornets to protect our native bumblebees, or by controlling the population of American Mink.
At Rye Harbour Nature Reserve (RHNR), such efforts to protect and recover our native populations are well underway. As a significantly protected area with a mosaic of habitats, the site supports a precious ecosystem and over 4,500 species. Along with our pal the Water Vole, these include many ground nesting birds, such as Little Tern, Oystercatcher, and Ringed Plover, all of which carry a conservation protection status, and all of which are vulnerable to predation by American Mink.
Several Mink traps have been installed across the reserve, and the team work in collaboration with the Waterlife Recovery Trust, who specialise in Mink eradication projects. These live-catch traps are fitted with modern devices that send an immediate notification when an animal is trapped to a designated RHNR staff member to ensure swift action is taken. Using Mink scent as a lure increases the effectiveness of attracting Mink, and the use of live-catch traps ensures non-target species are released unharmed. Sussex Wildlife Trust staff tasked with this are trained to BASC (British Association for Shooting and Conservation) standard and have completed training on Mink trapping and humane despatch, in adherence with best practice. The process is regularly and professionally scrutinised, with animal welfare being of the upmost importance.
Using this evidence-based conservation approach, the RHNR team are aiming to effectively control the population of American Mink to the benefit of many species that call the reserve home. Conservation action is at its most successful when working collaboratively, and a long-term goal is to increase connectivity with nearby sites on a larger scale eradication programme, to ensure the future of our valuable native wildlife.
If you see an American Mink, please report the sighting to the Waterlife Recovery Trust and to the Sussex Biodiversity Records Centre via iRecord, to help us understand the whereabouts and size of the population.
This post is also available on Sussex Wildlife Trust website
