The GWCT Mink Raft

The GWCT Mink Raft is a low-technology monitor which encourages mink to leave evidence of their presence, in the form of footprints.  The raft uses a standardised mixture of clay and sand to record the tracks over a period of 1-2 weeks. 

The tracking medium is problem-free and provides unequivocal evidence of mink presence.  Once a mink is detected, the raft(s) on which it left its tracks also becomes the best place to set a trap.  The commonest result is that the mink is caught next day.

Through a series of practical trials, we established that one raft per km of river gives you multiple opportunities to detect each mink.  We have also shown that a single raft left for 2 weeks within the range of a mink has a 50% chance of detecting that mink. 

Given more than one raft available per mink and successive check periods, thereā¬"s only a very small risk of failing to detect a mink that really is present.   With this knowledge, rafts can also be used as a reliable indicator of mink absence.  Thatā¬"s very important, because the number of mink caught is a poor guide to the success of the control effort.  Itā¬"s the extent to which the system is clear of mink that matters.

Please click for downloads on the GWCT Mink Raft.

References:

• Reynolds, J.C., Short, M.J. & Leigh, R.J. (2004)  Development of population control strategies for mink Mustela vison, using floating rafts as monitors and trap sites.  Biological Conservation 120(4): 533-543.
• Reynolds, J.C., Porteus T.A., Richardson, S.M., Leigh, R.J. & Short, M.J. (2010) Detectability of American Mink using Rafts to Solicit Field Signs, in a Population Control Context.  Journal of Wildlife Management, 74(7), in press.