The American Mink is to be targeted for eradication under the Midlands Mink Eradication Programme.
This three year pilot project, based in the Midlands of Ireland, aims to locate, trap and kill American mink as part of ground nesting bird protection measures.
The project which was launched by Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD is a collaboration between the Breeding Waders European Innovation Partnership (EIP) and the National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC) and is supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Speaking at the launch Minister O’ Sullivan said, “This programme to eradicate mink, which is supported by the NPWS is based on science and best practice, including state of the art remote sensing technologies. It will use citizen science to inform our knowledge, expertise and response to invasive species across the island of Ireland.”
American Mink is an invasive species and was recently approved for inclusion on the EU ‘Invasive alien species of Union Concern’. Updated EU Regulations will require Ireland to introduce new measures to remove mink from Ireland.
The programme has also developed links with the National Biodiversity Data Centre and the Shared Island Biosecurity and Invasive Species Initiative.
American Mink
American Mink ((Neovision vision or Mustela vision) were first recorded in the wild more than 60 years ago, and since then have colonised all counties in Ireland. It is a small semi-aquatic mammal, commonly found in Ireland’s waterways, lake edges, and coastal areas. It belongs to the “Mustelid” family, and is related to the otter (Lutra lutra),
American Mink are carnivores and are characterised by their rich, typically dark brown fur, which can sometimes appear black, a narrow snout, and occasionally a small white patch on the chin or throat. Its tail is approximately half the length of its body. They communicate through vocal signals such as squeaks and squeals. They also communicate by marking their territories with scat (droppings) and urine.
Project Details
The pilot project will cover a total area of 2,600km2 stretching 20 km in all directions from the shores of Lough Ree. This lake on the River Shannon, Ireland’s longest river, separates three counties, Longford, Westmeath and Roscommon. Mink will be located, trapped and killed and as far South as Shannonbridge, West to the River Suck, North to Rooskey and East to Longford Town.
The Midlands Mink Eradication Programme will be delivered through a structured, trained and co-ordinated volunteer network. All volunteers will be professionally trained in identifying and trapping mink, and humane dispatch. Techniques used by the programme will ensure high standards of compliance with animal welfare legislation. Recruitment for Project Coordinator and Community Liaison Officer has commenced under the employment of the NARGC. In addition, a website outlining the programme details has been set up. It can be viewed at: https://minkeradication.ie/
Animal Welfare Response
Irish animal welfare organisations are opposed to animal eradication programmes. They believe that such killing projects led by pro-bloodsports organisations have a low conservation horizon. They have expressed disgust that the Irish state is supporting an attack on an animal species that has become part of the Irish ecosystem.
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