The bait stations were designed to exclude all mammals larger than a rat. Smaller animals could, however, access the bait. This could affect Canna’s unique race of woodmouse, so the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, were consulted. A small team of staff from the zoo, plus volunteers, arrived on Canna and over a 6 week period from mid September to the end of October they began a trapping programme.

Over 100 longworth traps were baited and set to capture the mice. The traps were located in suitable habitat around the bay area.

 A set longworth trap

Captured mice were taken to the farm where they were placed in special keeping cages with adequate supplies of food, water and bedding. At weekly intervals they were taken off the island and sent to Edinburgh Zoo or the Highland Wildlife Park. By establishing two colonies of mice it provides insurance against the accidental loss of a population through disease or some other disaster.

The mice keeping cages at the farm

Stage 3. Once the mice had been removed stage 3 could begin... more...