Local Groups Forum recap: Invasive and non-native species
Grey squirrel eavesdropping. Photograph: Brandon Friesaar
May saw the kick-off of our first Local Groups Forum during Invasive and Non-Native Species Week (INNS), attended by a wide range of counties across the UK including Wiltshire, North East Scotland, Cornwall, Devon, Sussex, Ceredigion, Staffordshire, Somerset, and Perthshire. The forum aimed to facilitate knowledge sharing, raise awareness, and foster partnerships among local groups to address shared conservation challenges and benefit local mammal populations. Each Forum, we will focus on a different theme (a topic, issue, or species) and unpick if/how it is relevant to each local group’s region, or what projects and campaigns Local Groups are undertaking or considering related to that topic. Any member of a local group (or those interested in joining a local group) are invited to bring any ideas or issues to the forum. These forums are held every 2-3 months on Teams.
The forum started by hearing from Kate Hills, Biosecurity & Invasives Manager at South West Water, followed by Derek Crawley, Chair of the Mammal Society’s Local Groups and of Staffordshire Mammal Group. It was a comprehensive and engaging discussion that covered a wide range of pressing topics related to invasive species and wildlife management across the UK, including American mink, grey squirrels, deer, rabbits and latest invasive species, the greater white-toothed shrew.
American mink and water voles
A significant portion of our discussion focused on the impact of American mink on water vole populations, particularly in Cornwall and Staffordshire. Water voles are highly vulnerable to predation by mink, and their populations have suffered greatly. While otters are making a comeback and potentially impacting mink numbers, their presence has not led to a significant reduction in mink populations. This highlights the ongoing challenge of managing mink to protect vulnerable native species like the water vole. It was noted that continuous efforts in trapping and controlling mink are essential to support the recovery of water vole populations. The forum also addressed the negative impacts of mink on ground-nesting birds. Ground-nesting birds are particularly vulnerable to mink predation, and their populations have been declining in areas where mink are present.
Deer and their impact on woodlands
We also delved into the issue of deer and their effects on trees, questioning whether current control measures are sufficient. The conversation touched on specific cases such as muntjac roadkill, and the thriving Chinese water deer. Deer can cause significant damage to woodland ecosystems by overgrazing young trees and plants, which hampers forest regeneration. Effective deer management remains a key concern due to their significant impact on woodland ecosystems. Attendees discussed the need for more data to measure their impact on forests.
Decline in rabbit populations
Another important topic was the decline in rabbit populations, which are considered an invasive non-native species (INNS). Despite this classification, their decrease due to Myxomatosis has raised concerns, as many predators, including birds of prey, rely on rabbits as a food source. This decline has led to less rabbit roadkill observed, which might indicate broader ecological impacts. The forum discussed the ecological role of rabbits and the need to monitor their populations closely to understand the wider implications of their decline on the ecosystem.
Red squirrel recovery and grey squirrel management
The forum celebrated the red squirrel recovery project in Aberdeen and discussed the potential of a squirrel pox vaccine for both red and grey squirrels. Innovative approaches like gene fertility control of grey squirrels were also explored. In Cornwall and Devon, the Two Moors Project is reintroducing pine martens to control grey squirrel populations, as pine martens naturally prey on them. Sussex is also scoping public support for pine marten restoration. The complex relationship between grey squirrels and pine martens, which prevents grey squirrels from breeding, was noted as a key factor in these efforts. Attendees highlighted the importance of public awareness and support in these conservation projects to ensure their success.
Greater white-toothed shrew and citizen science
We also received updates on the extent of the greater white-toothed shrew, thanks to the efforts of our specialists and Ian Bond, who discovered their presence in the UK. Concerns were raised about government inaction on this new invasive mammal, drawing parallels with the mink situation. Participants were encouraged to engage in our "searching for shrews" project, dissect owl pellets, and record sightings of mice, voles, and shrews to contribute to our understanding of these species. Citizen science initiatives like this play a crucial role in gathering data and raising awareness about invasive species and their impacts.
Looking ahead: Beavers
Our next forum will focus on beavers, scheduled for Wednesday, 14th August at 6pm. We invite you to join the discussion on topics such as the impact of policy on beaver populations, tools for monitoring and recording beavers, their expansion between regions, and the role of water management. We'll also explore human-beaver interactions, economic impacts, and other relevant issues. Beavers are known for their ability to transform landscapes through their dam-building activities, which can have significant ecological and hydrological benefits.
Please download Microsoft Teams in advance to participate in the chat after the forum. We look forward to your insights and contributions on this important topic. Your participation and input are vital as we continue to address the challenges and opportunities in wildlife management and conservation.