VWTImpactReport28Oct2025PT - Flipbook - Page 21
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Polecats
VWT’s ongoing work on polecats and Irish stoats is driven
by gaps in evidence on their status and distribution.
Although believed to be recovering and returning to its
former ranges, no systematic polecat survey had been
conducted before VWT’s 昀椀rst survey in the 1990s.
Polecats were in catastrophic decline by the turn of the
20th century following persecution, exacerbated by the
rise in popularity of game shooting in the 1800s. By 1915
it was nearing extinction in Britain, and mainly restricted
to mid-Wales. Through a combination of a reduction
in persecution during the 20th century, partial legal
protection in 1981, and the recovery of rabbit populations
— their preferred prey — from myxomatosis, polecats
appeared to be making a steady recovery in Wales.
The extent of recovery outside its Welsh stronghold
was unknown and there were signi昀椀cant knowledge
gaps around the ecology and behaviour and the impact
of hybridisation with feral ferrets.
As polecats naturally recolonise, we need to identify
physical, genetic or societal barriers to their continued
recovery. Robust evidence of distribution and
population demographics allows us to anticipate
and put in place conservation initiatives to ensure
restoration to their former range and status in Britain.
Polecat range in 1975 and 2018
1975
2018
Irish stoats
As a near-endemic species to Ireland and the Isle of Man,
the Irish stoat plays an important role in the island’s
biodiversity. They are genetically distinct from the stoat
found on Britain, with much higher genetic variability.
Data from the citizen science survey 昀椀lls evidence gaps
regarding distribution of this elusive and seldom seen
mammal but there is much more to be learned regarding
population demographics, ecology and behaviour, as well
as current threats before we can be con昀椀dent that this
unique species will continue to survive.
The main source of recent information on
polecat ecology, eg, timing of breeding, is
completely based on the polecat surveys
Vincent Wildlife Trust has undertaken.
This has impacted polecat conservation
throughout Europe.
Dr Tim Hofmeester, Associate Professor,
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
©Carl Morrow
Why is there a need?
How did VWT make an impact?
To address evidence gaps, VWT carried out systematic
citizen science surveys covering the whole of Britain for
polecats and the whole of Ireland and the Isle of Man for
Irish stoats. Such surveys can be a valuable method for
gathering data over extended periods of time and across
a wide geographical area. They also engage people,
promote education and raise conservation awareness.
Since the 1990s, VWT has carried out four national polecat
distribution surveys at ten-year intervals to monitor
population recovery and expansion. Submitted sightings
of live or dead polecats are veri昀椀ed using a scoring system
to differentiate true polecats from polecat–ferret hybrids.
DNA analysis of samples from a sub-set of sightings are
used to verify records classi昀椀cation and answer questions
on what may be driving or limiting recovery. Targeted
research on polecat habitat use and behaviour in the mid1990s used radio-tracking and dietary analyses. VWT and
partner research revealed risks to recovery from secondary
rodenticide poisoning.
The 昀椀rst All-Ireland Irish Stoat Survey (2023-2025), was
led by VWT in collaboration with the National Biodiversity
Data Centre, the University of Galway, and the Centre for
Environmental Data and Recording — and was supported
by funding from the Irish Environmental Network, National
Parks and Wildlife Service, and the Heritage Council.
Vincent Wildlife Trust 50 Years Impact Report 2025
21
