Bid to rid Calf of Man from rodents

A major operation is underway to eradicate the Calf of Man’s rat population.

It’s a project partnership between Manx National Heritage, the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, the Manx Wildlife Trust and Manx Birdlife.

Introduced to the Calf in the 1700’s rodent numbers have boomed over the years, although recent efforts to control the problem have seen reduced figures.

The vermin is seen as the main reason for the depletion of the Manx Shearwater and other ground nesting birds.

As part of the campaign the groups are appealing to boat owners and visitors to the Calf to take precautions to ensure rodents don’t find their way back to the Island.

We found out more when we spoke to Kate Hawkins from the MNH:

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