THE calling of a single chick on a Hebridean island has been heralded as a “milestone” for the recovery against non-native species.
The Shiant Isles were declared rat-free earlier this year after an extensive eradication process carried out to protect biodiversity.
Now conservation groups have recorded a European storm petrel chick calling on the wildlife-rich outpost for the very first time. The species, which makes its home in a burrow, has been unable to breed successfully due to predation from the black rats.
Adam Nicolson, whose family owns the islands, said: “The tiny, vulnerable peeping of the storm petrel chick was one of the most optimistic sounds to have been heard on the Shiants in living memory.
“In that one sound, and extraordinarily quickly, all the effort, skill and organisation of the Shiant Isles Recovery Project has already begun to find its reward.
“This is only the beginning. At a time when the news from the natural world is consistently dire, this is a small move in the other direction, and one which carries within it at least some hope for a better future.”
The project is a partnership between RSPB Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the Nicolson family.
It is currently focused on preventing other invasive predators from establishing populations on the isles, which lie five miles from Harris, to protect bird numbers in the long term.
Storm petrels, as pictured above, are little bigger than sparrows and only come to land in summer to breed.
Scotland’s internationally important population currently nests at only a few offshore islands because of the presence of ground predators at other potential sites.
Breeding attempts were suspected last year after their distinctive “churring” sound was detected.
However, no chicks were confirmed at that time.
Dr Charlie Main, senior project manager for the Shiant Isles Recovery Project, said: “After the adult was recorded last year we thought it highly likely that they were breeding, so to have this confirmed now is great for the project and for the species in Scotland.
“It’s also another vital step for making these islands a safer place for Scotland’s internationally important seabirds, many of which are struggling to cope with the impact of climate change and a lack of suitable secure breeding sites.
“We’ve strong hopes for the future that more storm petrels will breed here and a colony will be established.
“Three other calling adults were recorded this summer suggesting that there may have been more breeding attempts.
“This one chick is incredibly special to everyone who has been involved in the project since 2014.
“It means that all the work we’ve been doing to make and keep these islands free of invasive predators is paying off.
“It also shows just how quickly island restoration can make a difference to seabirds, which is really positive for future projects like this one.”
The project is due to draw to a close this autumn and is currently focused on securing the biosecurity legacy for the islands to ensure that no other ground predators, which would threaten its special wildlife, are able to establish themselves on the Shiants Isles.
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