Rathlin Island declared world's first stoat-free island after five-year eradication

AI digestMimile.ai EditorialAugust 31, 2026 at 12:27 AM

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Rathlin Island declared world's first stoat-free island after five-year eradication

Rathlin Island off Northern Ireland has been declared the world's first island to fully eradicate invasive stoats, following a five-year project that cost 5.2 million euros. The removal of stoats, introduced about 40 years ago to control rabbits, is expected to allow the recovery of an ecosystem supporting around 250,000 seabirds. The announcement comes as teams now target invasive brown rats, with 6,500 poison bait stations deployed since October 2024.

Key Facts

Rathlin Island was declared stoat-free on 20 August 2026, the first island worldwide to achieve complete eradication of invasive stoats.
The five-year eradication project cost 5.2 million euros, of which 3.1 million euros was funded by the European Union.
The island's Atlantic puffin population declined by 74% since 1999, according to LIFE RAFT project data.
From September 2023, 400 traps, 110 cameras, thermal drones, and a detection dog named Woody were used to locate and remove stoats.
Since October 2024, over 6,500 poison bait stations have been deployed across Rathlin to eradicate invasive brown rats.

Stoat Eradication

Stoats were introduced to Rathlin Island about 40 years ago to control the wild rabbit population. The plan failed as stoats began preying on ground-nesting seabirds, their eggs, and chicks. Rathlin is a key breeding site for species including Atlantic puffin, razorbill, common guillemot, and peregrine falcon. The LIFE RAFT project recorded a 74% decline in the Atlantic puffin population since 1999, with invasive stoats and rats contributing to the drop. From September 2023, 400 traps were placed across the island, supported by 110 cameras, thermal drones, and a trained detection dog named Woody.

Rat Eradication Phase

Following stoat removal, teams shifted focus to invasive brown rats on Rathlin. Since October 2024, more than 6,500 poison bait stations have been installed across the island. The last rat was sighted in 2025, but official rat-free status requires one more year without any trace.

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Rathlin Island declared world's first stoat-free island after five-year eradication

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Rathlin Island declared world's first stoat-free island after five-year eradication

Key Facts

Stoat Eradication

Rat Eradication Phase

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