Woody the dog switches detection skills to save puffins

Woody, a brown Labrador, is a detection dog who plays a crucial role in protecting puffins on Rathlin Island, located off the coast of Northern Ireland. He wears blue goggles to shield his eyes from sharp plants while he works. Woody is part of an innovative project called LIFE Raft, which aims to eliminate ferrets and rats from the island. These invasive species pose a significant threat to the local seabird population, particularly puffins, as they prey on young birds and their eggs. Woody's primary task is to detect the droppings of these animals, which helps the project team locate and manage their populations. Ulf Keller, Woody's handler, describes him as a playful and energetic dog who is very focused when it comes to his work. Ulf treats Woody as a valued team member, ensuring he has breaks and proper protective gear while on the job. The bond between Ulf and Woody is evident, as they both enjoy their time on the island, which is known for its stunning cliffs and natural beauty. The LIFE Raft project has already made significant progress in removing ferrets from Rathlin Island. These ferrets were introduced in the 1980s by a farmer to control the rabbit population, but they quickly became a threat to seabirds. Liam McFaul, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds warden on the island, has witnessed the devastating impact ferrets can have on puffin populations. He recalls a shocking incident where he discovered 27 dead puffins after a ferret had invaded their nesting area. This incident highlights the urgent need to control ferret populations to protect the seabirds. While the team has successfully captured and removed 98 ferrets, they cannot declare the island ferret-free until next year. The focus now shifts to the rat population, which is estimated to be around 10,000. The team has laid out approximately 7,000 bait stations across the island, spaced every 50 meters, including on steep cliffs. The bait is placed inside traps, and it is expected that the rats will take it back to their burrows, where they will consume it and die. Michael Rafferty, the Operations Manager for the LIFE Raft project, emphasizes the scale of the task at hand, noting that rat eradication has been successfully achieved in many places around the world. However, he acknowledges that it is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning and execution. The team faces various challenges, including unpredictable weather and even a cow that interfered with their equipment. Despite these obstacles, they remain committed to the project and are checking the bait stations weekly to monitor progress. Residents of Rathlin Island, like Marianne Green, are optimistic about the project's potential. She notes that since the ferret removal efforts began, people have been able to keep chickens again, which has been a positive change for the community. Marianne believes that Rathlin is a unique and special place, and by eliminating ferrets and rats, they can create a safer environment for ground-nesting birds. She understands the importance of protecting these birds, especially in light of challenges such as climate change and bird flu. The LIFE Raft project, which has received funding from various organizations, aims to restore the seabird population on Rathlin Island and ensure a thriving ecosystem for future generations.