Report from Chris Smith
£559,000 set aside for hedgehogs as cull spreads to more islands
By David Ross, Highland Correspondent in the Herald, 17 th December 2003
Scottish Natural Heritage is to extend the cull of hedgehogs it began in North Uist this year, taking it to the islands of Benbecula and South Uist over the next three years.
The agency's main board yesterday capped expenditure on the project at £559,425 and agreed to pursue a trial relocation of 60 hedgehogs as demanded by campaigners.
However, opponents of the cull last night attacked the bord's decision as ''absolutely disgusting''.
The exercise, which brought an unprecedented level of public criticism of SNH, is designed to protect the internationally important populations of breeding waders such as dunlin, ringed plover, redshank, snip and lapwing.
Since 1983, they have declined by up to 60% in the Uists as hedgehogs fed on their eggs.
No-one disputed that the waders should be protected from th predators.
SNH insisted the most humane way was by culling, while campaign groups argued in favour of catching th hedgehogs and removing them to the mainland.
The cull began at the southern end of North Uist. SNH estimated there were 90 there and culled 66. On Benbecula, hedgehog numbers are thought to run into hundreds and on South Uist they are believed to be in thousands.
George Anderson, SNH's head of press and public relations, said after yesterday's board meeting: ''What was recommended and accepted was that we extend the cull to Benbecula this coming spring and then on to South Uist the spring after that.
''But it was also agreed that we should go into a trail translocation with the People's Trust for Endangered Species and we will be handing over 60 animals to them.
''If that trial proves in the long term to be effective, we will put our hands up and say we were wrong and then pursue that course but unfortunately given the dangers presented to the waders, we don't have time to wait for the results.''
He also dismissed reports that it had cost £1000 to catch each hedgehog this year. It was closer to £200.
''It was expensive because it was labour-intensive looking for so few animals but as we head into more populous areas in Benbecula and South Uist, it will become more cost-effective. It is a lot of money, but we firmly believe the bird life in Uist is worth it.
Ross Minett, campaigns director of Advocates for Animals, said: ''The decision is absolutely disgusting. SNH has once again ignored expert scientific advice and is flying in the face of public opinion by killing innocent animals.
''We look forward to the results of the transloction trial which we believe will vindicate our stance.''
© The Herald, 17 th December 2003
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