Stoats are widespread and common throughout mainland Britain and Ireland but are not native to Orkney. They were first recorded on Orkney mainland in 2010 and since then have spread across the mainland and the connected isles. To date, there have been no confirmed sightings on the outer isles although there has been the occasional report including 2 on Sanday (one at Cata Sand which turned out to be a ferret and one in the last couple of weeks which is still being investigated).
Whilst stoats haven’t yet been confirmed on Sanday, it is important to remain vigilant. A pregnant female or pair of stoats arriving on Sanday could be disastrous for Sanday’s rich and diverse wildlife. Their population and distribution could quickly increase as each female can have a litter of between six and 12 young, with female kits born one year producing offspring the next. These skilled hunters typically feed on birds and small mammals so their presence in Sanday could have a devastating effect on birdlife such as nesting waders, terns and gulls, and the Orkney/Sanday Vole. The Orkney vole is not only unique to Orkney but also individual islands including Sanday. The Sanday vole is a vital source of food for important populations of hen harrier and short-eared owl and the arrival of stoats on the island would run the risk of losing these completely.
Work to remove the threat posed by non-native stoats throughout Orkney is being carried out by Scottish Natural Heritage and RSPB Scotland.Any possible or definite stoat sightings (dead or alive) can be reported to me on 01857 600272 or via email at ranger@sanday.co.uk . Alternatively, please report any sightings to Scottish Natural Heritage on 01856 886163 or emailing north@snh.gov.uk . It is important to record the date, location and if possible a six figure gird reference.
