Wild rabbits harming iconic Storr
Image - Alan Rolfe
Wild rabbits believed to have been first introduced to the Isle of Skye in the Nineteenth Century have been blamed for erosion of the Trotternish Ridge in the iconic Storr rock formation (pictured). It is understood that the population has thrived on the upland plants and grasses that grow on the Ridge and enjoy the designations of Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation. Sheep grazing has also been identified as a factor in the erosion.
A scientific team from the Macaulay Institute (since amalgamated with the Scottish Crop Research Institute to form the James Hutton Institute) has monitored the area on a long term basis to evaluate the extent of the erosion. Their research concluded that a reduction in the number of sheep, which may come about naturally due to other factors, would reduce erosion but the greater damage caused by rabbits has prompted a recommendation in favour of intervention in the form of population control.
The scientific team's report to Scottish National Heritage acknowledges that "It is recognised that controlling rabbit numbers could be an expensive exercise which would require an ongoing commitment of manpower and finance. The possible benefits, in relation to the costs of rabbit control on a scale that would achieve noticeable benefits therefore require greater consideration before further action is taken."
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
