Island fears over invasion of the killer pine marten
THE last time the idyllic isle was colonised by a destructive invading force was more than a thousand years ago.
But although its inhabitants no longer have to fear marauding Vikings, peaceful Mull is once more under threat from a rapacious hairy horde – of pine martens.
The creatures, which are not native to the island, are believed to have landed there after ‘stowing away’ on ships delivering timber in the early years of the 21st century.
Now, the population has multiplied to the point where residents fear local birds and other wildlife could face devastation at the paws of the merciless mustelids.
A report published today reveals the martens are believed to be present over a wide area on either side of Craignure and are ‘ highly likely’ to
‘Arrived on timber boats’
establish themselves throughout the rest of the island.
It warns: ‘Martens could potentially prey upon a number of species of conservation concern, including bird and reptile species.’
Mike Shilson, chair of Mull Community Council, said: ‘Some islanders have raised concerns with the community council about the impact pine marten could have upon Mull’s unique wildlife, particulary its bird species.
‘We believe localised control should be permitted where appropriate and we will work with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) to agree a way forward on this matter.’
SNH commissioned a £4,000 study to highlight ways of dealing with the invasion. It is believed that, from a couple of stowaways thought to have arrived about ten years ago, there are now up to 30 of them on the island.
The report says: ‘Pine martens found on Mull are not native to the island and probably arrived there on timber boats.
‘There are broadly three management options available – the removal of the current population to achieve eradication; localised management to reduce damage or limit spread; or a non-intervention approach.’
So f ar, the martens’ i mpact is thought to have been limited to some more common bird types.
But the report states that they may also prey on game birds and species of ‘conservation concern’ such as corncrakes and wood warblers.
It also warns that martens ‘ would have a serious impact’ if they colonised nearby islands such as the Treshnish Isles, where important seabird colonies are found.
Andrew Campbell, SNH operations manager, said: ‘People on Mull value the island’s rich biodiversity and some will have an interest in poultry or game birds, so understandably there will be concerns about the arrival of the pine marten.’