From the edge of the world 2022 – part 4

We spent a few long and very enjoyable days hiking around the island setting up and marking the stations with GPS. We now have to check the village stations every week – we look for chew marks, smooth back or replace the blocks, and record what we find. The rest of the stations will be checked monthly. All of this data is then recorded and sent back to the Biosecurity for LIFE project, who have a support team available should there be positive sightings.

Our job is complicated by the fact that we have a large population of endemic St Kilda mice, and so skill is needed in identifying which species made the chew marks. If rat chew marks are detected, a large and immediate response is triggered, aimed at eradicating the invasive population as quickly as possible. The plan is to extend the range of these stations to include the other islands within the St Kilda archipelago later this year.

Just as important as carrying out surveillance is the process of active prevention. The Biosecurity for LIFE project works on small islands around Britain and aims to educate the public in the importance of preventing the spread of invasive mammals. Their leaflets give practical advice to travellers about taking care when packing and checking for signs of rodents in their luggage. Here on St Kilda, we try to give this information to as many visiting yachts as possible. We also require all passengers to approach the jetty by open tender (a boat without an enclosed cabin), as this makes it less likely that a rat could be unwittingly brought ashore.

The landing craft that brings supplies to the Qinetiq base on the island several times a year has to undergo stringent checks, both prior to and whilst sailing to St Kilda. A dedicated watch person observes the slipway whilst the vessel is loading and unloading, and the whole process is also filmed to check for rodents.

In addition to mammalian biosecurity, we also work hard to prevent the spread of non-native pathogens between islands. All visitors are asked to walk over a foot mat impregnated with disinfectant when they arrive and leave. This aims to prevent the spread of bacteria, fungi, spores and viruses and is another facet in our biosecurity plan.

We’re really trying hard to keep the islands safe and hope that you will help us whenever you visit. We look forward to welcoming you in the most biosecure way possible!