19/11/2018

Stoat control benefits threatened species: Our letter to The Times

Lapwing

Sir,

Since the reported loss of 68 per cent of hen harriers in their first year predates the arrival of stoats on Orkney in 2010 (letter, Nov 16), it is right conservationists are supporting the £6 million project to eradicate them to protect other species.

With stoat control offering such clear conservation benefits, it is bizarre the RSPB is not a little more generous in its support of grouse moors which have been doing this for years without taxpayer funding.

Admittedly, gamekeepers don’t exterminate their stoats, but our experimental studies have shown that even limited control of stoat numbers, along with other nest predators such as foxes and crows, can increase threatened species such as lapwing by 66 per cent.

Andrew Gilruth
Director of Communications, Marketing & Membership
Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust

Related reading - RSPB object to using method in recovering hen harrier numbers: Our letter to the Times >

Raffles

Don't miss your chance to win a unique sporting prize

Support our vital conservation work and win a truly unique shooting experience by entering one of our shoot raffles - limited tickets available.

View GWCT Shoot Raffles >

Comments

Make a comment