Cairngorms Water Vole Conservation Project
Project Introduction
The Cairngorms Water Vole Conservation Project was set up in March 2006 as a partnership project between the Cairngorms National Park Authority, Scottish Natural Heritage and the University of Aberdeen.
Water voles are native to the UK and were once abundant, but are now undergoing a catastrophic national decline. At least 94% of sites occupied by water voles in the 1950s are now empty. However, the Scottish uplands, and the Cairngorms National Park in particular, hold nationally important breeding populations of water voles. The water vole is listed as a UK and Local Biodiversity Action Plan priority species.
(Photograph of black water vole courtesy of Xavier Lambin)
Aims
The main aim of this project is to secure the Cairngorms National Park as a key water vole area, through coordinating and increasing the American mink control undertaken by the local community. It also aims to raise awareness of water vole conservation issues and identify more water vole colonies, in previously un-surveyed areas across the Cairngorm region, in accordance with UKBAP objectives and targets.
Targets and Objectives
The main objective of this project is to conserve water vole populations over a large area where natural population processes still take place, through the humane control of mink and raising awareness. To do this, a 'mink free' zone will be created, surrounded by a ring of monitoring rafts, tracking and catching any incoming mink. Along with this, water vole surveys will be carried out to monitor the progress of the project and also to identify previously unknown water vole populations.
It is also important for the project to gain the support and active participation of local organisations, landowners and communities, to ensure mink monitoring and trapping is self-sustained in the long term - providing a management solution for mink in the Cairngorms National Park which will outlive the project.
Partners
Project partners are the Cairngorms National Park Authority, Scottish Natural Heritage and the University of Aberdeen. The project is also supported by Cairngorms LBAP, North East Scotland LBAP, The Game Conservancy Trust, Grampian FWAG and the Dee Fishery Board.
Additional information on the project partners and target species can be found by following the external links listed below.
Funding
At present the project has funding to employ one project officer for 3 years. This funding is provided by Scottish Natural Heritage, Cairngorms National Park Authority and University of Aberdeen.
Outputs
A newsletter will be published twice a year.
Contact
For further information on water vole biology and conservation, American mink control or how you can contribute to the project, please contact, Llinos Davies, Cairngorms Water Vole Conservation Officer: email llinosdavies@cairngorms.co.uk or tel: 01479 870570.