Nature / Rat still at large as Mousa biosecurity threat remains
A RAT spotted on Mousa which could pose a threat to the island’s nationally important bird population remains at large.
A spokesperson for the RSPB said on Monday that “no rat has been caught yet, but the remote cameras are capturing images every night”.
They also stressed the need for people to adhere to biosecurity guidance if they are visiting the island, which contains a well-preserved Iron Age broch.
Last week the RSPB confirmed evidence of at least one rat on the island – located to the east of Sandwick – emerged on 26 April.
A total of 200 bait stations with rodenticide were positioned around the island, in addition to cameras.
But it appears the rat has evaded the bait stations and remains at large.
The uninhabited island hosts the UK’s largest breeding population of storm petrels.
The RSPB had said that they, as well as other birds, could be placed at risk with a rat on the island.
With boat trips to Mousa resuming for the season last week, the RSPB said visitors are being asked to do three key things:
• to check their bag for stowaways before boarding the boat especially if it has been left unattended on the quayside for any length of time
• to strictly stick to the paths and not touch or interfere with the bait stations
• and, if they bring lunch or food to the island, to take all food waste away with them because even small food scraps could provide food for a rat and keep it away from the bait stations.
The guidance also applies to anyone visiting the island outwith the Mousa Boat.
Mousa is an RSPB nature reserve with important breeding colonies of seals and seabirds.
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