A brown Labrador named Woody is playing a vital role in protecting the seabird populations on Rathlin Island, located off the coast of Northern Ireland. After successfully helping to eliminate ferrets from the island—a pioneering effort—Woody is now focused on detecting invasive rats that threaten local wildlife.
Protecting Puffins and Other Seabirds
Both ferrets and rats pose a significant threat to the puffins and other seabirds that breed on Rathlin Island. These predators have been known to eat young birds and their eggs, jeopardizing the survival of the species. The LIFE Raft project aims to eradicate these invasive species to help protect Rathlin’s famed seabird populations.
Ulf Keller, Woody’s handler, describes him as “a big goof.” He explains that while Woody is playful and energetic when off duty, he is highly focused and efficient during work hours. “When he works, he’s really focused and works really well,” says Keller, who treats Woody like a co-worker, complete with personal protective equipment (PPE) such as goggles to shield his eyes from brambles and thistles.
The Importance of Detection
Woody, a two-year-old Fox Red Labrador, does not track animals directly. Instead, he is trained to detect the droppings of invasive species, an important task that can indicate the presence of ferrets or rats. While there have been no confirmed sightings of ferrets on the island since 98 of them were captured and destroyed, the project leaders aim to verify their complete eradication by next year.
Liam McFaul, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) warden on Rathlin Island, highlights the destructive nature of ferrets, likening them to “a fox in a chicken house.” He recounts a distressing incident where one ferret led to the death of 27 puffins, illustrating the severe impact these predators have on local bird populations.
Tackling the Rat Problem
With an estimated 10,000 rats on Rathlin, the effort to eliminate them has been extensive. The project has deployed about 7,000 bait stations across the island, strategically placed every 50 meters, including along steep cliff faces. The bait is designed to be taken back to their burrows, where the rats will consume it and die.
Michael Rafferty, Operations Manager for the LIFE Raft project, notes that rat eradications have occurred in nearly 500 cases worldwide, but the scale of this effort is unprecedented. “This is ten-fold to what we had with the ferrets,” he emphasizes, acknowledging the immense challenge ahead.
Community Support and Wildlife Conservation
The residents of Rathlin Island, which has around 150 inhabitants, are optimistic about the project’s success. Marianne Green, a local resident, expresses hope that eliminating ferrets will enable people to keep chickens safely again. She acknowledges the necessity of the eradication process for the benefit of ground-nesting birds, especially given the ongoing challenges of climate change and bird flu.
“There are pressures on these birds, and we hope that by removing one obstacle, they will thrive again on Rathlin,” Green explains. While some may view the eradication process as harsh, the community understands the need to protect their unique island ecosystem.
Conclusion
Woody the detection dog embodies the commitment to preserving Rathlin Island’s wildlife. By focusing on the eradication of ferrets and rats, the LIFE Raft project aims to restore balance to the island’s ecosystem and ensure the survival of its seabird populations. The collaboration between skilled humans and dedicated canine companions like Woody showcases a unique approach to wildlife conservation that could serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges.
Related topics:
How to Transition from Training to Hunting
Rescue Group Saves Dog After Eight Months on the Streets
Expert Guidance on How Often to Wash Your Dog
