An expected low catch in May, as stoats are denning for the breeding season. We've seen this pattern occur each year. We're also catching less stoats each year, despite increasing the number of our trap checks - which could be attributed as proof the stoat population is dropping.
Once young leave their dens, we expect to catch a much higher number of stoats, as we have done year-on-year.
Although the stoat population peaks after each breeding season, our data suggests the number of stoats is shrinking year-on-year. The eventual goal is to have these peaks become low that our catchrate almost flatlines.
In May we removed nine stoats through 12,583 trap checks.
It's worth noting that between 2019 and 2023, we initially recieved a large amount of reported stoat sightings which slowed as time went on. Part of this could be attributed to the dwindling stoat population. However, public engagement fatigue is also a factor to consider. Over the past two years the project has explored new ways to encourage people to report their sightings. Thanks to fresh promotion, we have recieved an increased number of reported stoat sightings in 2024 and 2025. We've always said that reported sightings are vital to helping us find and track the movement of stoats in Orkney. The increase in reported sightings is incredibly helpful! We are thankful and encourage our community to continue their great work!
Folk in East Mainland & the linked isles had the sharpest eyes in May 2025 with 19 reported sightings. It's also the area we deployed the most new traps.
We would like to thank our community for their incredible effort and support, our volunteers, and the project team.