Invasive non-native species (INNS)
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American mink is an invasive non-native species which escaped from fur farms in the 1950s and have now spread across most of Britain. These voracious predators have had a big impact on our native wildlife, especially in the north where they predate on vulnerable breeding populations of protected bird species such as divers, tern, waders and scoter. Mink are also largely responsible for the decline in water voles (the much beloved “ratty” from wind in the willows). They also attack domestic poultry and fish, such as salmon and trout which are commercially important.
Non-native plants growing in riparian habitats can have an impact through displacing native vegetation and causing bankside erosion. Japanese knotweed and American skunk cabbage have been recorded in the Lochaber area.
Adopting good biosecurity practices can help reduce the risk of inadvertently spreading INNS.
Invasive non-native species (INNS)
Invasive non-native species (INNS) pose a threat to native wildlife and aquatic habitats through competition for resources, predation, disease and water quality issues. Once a new species becomes established it can be very difficult if not impossible to remove and there can be large costs associated with managing INNS.
The Trust undertakes a wide variety of work to fulfil its remit to protect native wild fish. An overview of this work is provided within this site and through regular updates on our social media pages. If you have any queries about our work or require further details, please get in touch
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