Conservationists have successfully eradicated feral ferrets on Rathlin Island, with a parallel campaign to eliminate rats nearing a potential declaration of success by next summer.

Rathlin Island in Northern Ireland has become the first inhabited island in the world to successfully eradicate feral ferrets. The project, led by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Northern Ireland, involved a multi-year effort to protect native seabird colonies from invasive predators. Following the removal of 98 ferrets, the campaign shifted focus to a massive rat eradication effort that began in 2023.

Eradicating Invasive Predators

The campaign to remove ferrets and rats required extensive cooperation from local residents, as the island's inhabited status prevented the use of aerial baiting. Instead, teams placed 450 traps for ferrets and 7,000 bait stations for rats across the 14-square-kilometre island. Professional climbers were employed to reach steep cliff-side areas, while thermal drones and a sniffer dog were used to track down the final remaining rats.

Monitoring and Ecological Impact

The last rat was reportedly killed in June 2025, and the RSPB is currently in a monitoring phase that includes monthly checks of bait stations and camera traps. While the removal of predators has benefited local poultry and seabirds, it has also led to a surge in the island's rabbit population. Residents report that rabbits are now damaging gardens and agricultural crops, as the ferrets previously served as their primary predator.