Fermanagh Herold
A survey has been launched to determine the distribution of feral ferrets in Ireland.
The ferret is a member of the weasel family and is the domestic form of the western polecat. It is very similar to the American mink in size and shape.
Two colour forms of the ferret occur in captivity. The first is albino, white with red eyes and the second form is variable but may be very similar to the wild polecat, dark brown outer hairs and creamy under fur on the body and a "bandit like" mask over the eyes.
Currently, the only free living populations known from Ireland are in North Co. Monaghan, near the Cavan border and on Rathlin Island off the North Antrim coast.
The population in Monaghan is thought to have become established in the 1980's from ferrets abandoned and lost by ferreters. Monaghan is very popular for ferreting due to the abundant rabbit population there.
The primary aim of the survey being conducted by Daniel Buckley, an ecologist from Co. Cork is to map the distribution of the known populations, to investigate if other feral populations occur in other locations on the mainland and offshore islands.
"I would like to know if the population in Monaghan has spread further in the county and to the adjacent counties of Cavan, Tyrone, Fermanagh and Armagh. There is also a possibility that other populations exist in East Cork/West Waterford and North County Sligo, sorecords from this region would be very important in assessing the ecological impact of feral ferrets on native wildlife here."
The survey will be based on collecting carcasses of road casualties and pest control. Photographic and live sighting records of wild ferrets will also be welcome. Mr Buckley would like members of the public to look out for dead ferrets on their travels.
"I am also looking for carcasses from gamekeepers, hunters and farmers. If you come across a dead ferret, please store it in a cool or frozen place to preserve it and contact me immediately for posting instructions.
"I would like to know how ferrets are adapting to Irish conditions and, particularly if they are they reverting back to their ancestral polecat coloration."
Mr Buckley said the survey might also give an indication of the habitat preferences of ferrets here.
He said he was very interested in talking to ferreters in Ireland for information about ferrets, such as records of lost animals and possible locations of feral populations.
"In Britain', he explained, "it is common practice among ferreters to cross domestic ferrets with wild polecats to improve bloodstock. I would be interested to know if Irish ferreters are importing polecats into Ireland for this purpose".
Anyone who requires survey forms and ID keys can contact Daniel or download them at www.biology.ie or www.countrysideireland.com
Alternatively, you can contact Daniel at the following address or number.
Daniel Buckley, Ferret Survey coordinator,Toames East Macroom, Co. Cork
Mobile: ROI 0863691982, NI 00353863691982, Email:
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