Villain...

...other wise known as the American Mink, designated a Non Native Invasive Species. Humanly captured and managed by our trained member of staff. Don't let its looks fool you, its a vicious wee critter, smelly and noisy to. More information HERE. They are a terror to the native wilderness of Briton.

"As mink are generalist predators they can affect prey species which do not form an essential part of their diet, while remaining unaffected by a decline of the prey population as they can switch back to alternative prey. There is strong correlative evidence that mink are implicated in the drastic decline of water voles in the UK. Mink are also known to predate a range of bird species.

Other species, not closely associated with water, are also vulnerable to mink predation and have potentially reduced in numbers as a consequence.

The effect of mink predation at seabird colonies on the west coast of Scotland has been the subject of long term studies. Between 1989 and 1995 mink caused widespread, whole-colony breeding failures and declines in breeding numbers of black-headed gulls, common gulls and common terns, as a result of predation on eggs and chicks. Colonies on or near the mainland were most affected.

Mink may also account for a large proportion of salmonid mortality in some river systems." Extract from SNH website.

Shona :0)