The Trust is hoping to start an innovative project in the New Year to encourage puffins to breed again on the Calf of Man, as they have done in the past. Global puffin numbers have been declining dramatically in recent years and are listed on the Amber list of birds of Conservation Concerns in the UK and Ireland and more recently they have been added to the Red List for endangered species.

Puffins were once numerous around the Calf of Man, with historic reports identifying over 800 individuals seen in coastal waters in 1996, an exceptional year. However, numbers have declined alarmingly in recent years, with recent records of fewer than 10 birds observed each year. In 2014, only two individuals were seen. Furthermore, 1985 is likely to be the last time we can say with confidence that puffins actually bred on the Calf.

It is not clear what has led to this population reduction, but the decline appears to coincide with the introduction of Norway rats (Rattus novegicus) following a shipwreck off the Calf in the late 18th Century. Because of concerns regarding the impacts of rat predation on ground nesting birds, specifically the Manx Shearwater, a programme of rat removal using intensive baiting with rodenticides was implemented on the Calf in the winter of 2012-2013 as part of the Manx Shearwater Recovery Project. Monitoring for rat presence continues as part of the project’s Biosecurity Plan. Eradication or at least continued control of rats provides a great opportunity to encourage puffins to breed on the Calf once again.

The aim of the Trust’s project is to use decoy puffins and a sound system playing puffin calls during the breeding season to attract young puffins to use the Calf as their nesting grounds. The decoys will be deployed at the two historic breeding sites on the west and east coast of the Calf. This land is owned by Manx National Heritage, and the Manx Wildlife Trust will be working in partnership with them over the installation and monitoring of the decoys in the coming year. It is hoped that the funding will come from grant support coupled with an ‘Adopt a Puffin’ campaign aimed at the public and businesses.

Through the Adopt a Puffin program, for just ?29.99, you can adopt one of our delightful decoys. In return, your ‘cuddly’ decoy will be deployed on the Calf! You will receive a certificate as a thank you, plus a letter containing its location on the Calf, and annual updates on the progress of the project. If you would like more information or to adopt a puffin, please contact Lara Howe, the Marine officer on lara@manxwt.org.uk. 

Keep your eye on our website, http://www.manxwt.org.uk/, and Facebook page,
https://www.facebook.com/Manx-Wildlife-Trust-114769425229714/, for further announcements.

Photo - Puffin decoy on Peel Hill, taken by Pashala Yates (MWT Volunteer).