New Pilot Project to Protect Ground-Nesting Birds from Mink 🦆🪺 The National Parks and Wildlife Service, in collaboration with the Breeding Waders EIP and the NARGC, has launched the Midlands Mink Eradication Programme — a first-of-its-kind initiative to protect Ireland’s vulnerable ground-nesting birds. Predation by invasive American Mink is one of the biggest threats to species such as Curlew, Lapwing, Red Grouse, Grey Partridge, and Hen Harrier. This new pilot programme will: ✅ Target a 2,600 km² area around Lough Ree – one of Ireland’s most important breeding wader sites ✅ Use state-of-the-art detection technology and a specialist mink dog to find mink ✅ Be delivered through a trained volunteer network, ensuring humane and effective trapping ✅ Support EU efforts to remove invasive mink and protect native wildlife Minister of State for Nature, Heritage & Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, said: “American Mink are a serious threat to our native birds and other wildlife. This programme, based on science and citizen engagement, is a major step forward in tackling invasive species across Ireland.” 👥 How You Can Help: Members of the public and local communities are encouraged to support the project and report mink sightings. Together, we can protect Ireland’s precious ground-nesting birds for future generations. 📍 Project Area: Lough Ree region, stretching south to Shannonbridge, west to the River Suck, north to Rooskey, and east to Longford Town.