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An assessment of British farmers’ and gamekeepers’ experiences, attitudes and practices in relation to the European Polecat Mustela putorius by James J. Packer; Johnny D. S. Birks is a Environmental Science article available to read on EtoBox.

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## Abstract Postal questionnaires were distributed to farmers and gamekeepers within the Polecat’s __Mustela putorius__ main range in Britain. Only 11% of responding farmers had ever experienced damage by Polecats; 28% regarded the species as a threat to livestock. Conversely 53% of farmers believed Polecats control Rabbits __Oryctolagus cuniculus__, and 39% believed they control rodents on the farm. Two‐thirds of responding gamekeepers had experienced Polecat predation of penned game, with the commonest access routes via ‘pop‐holes’ and beneath the perimeter wire. Most gamekeepers (68%) regarded the Polecat as a minor pest, but ranked it as a less serious threat to game than predators such as the Fox __Vulpes vulpes__, Feral Cat __Felis catus__, Stoat __Mustela erminea__, corvids and Mink __Mustela vison__. Majorities of both farmers and gamekeepers would be concerned about an increase in the numbers of Polecats, and most wished to be free to control the species. Trapping was regarded as the main defence against Polecat predation of game; 91% of gamekeepers had trapped Polecats over the preceding 5 years. A minority of farmers carried out Polecat control; this activity was more pr

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Author

James J. Packer; Johnny D. S. Birks

Publisher

John Wiley and Sons; Wiley (Blackwell Publishing); Blackwell Publishing Inc.; Wiley (ISSN 0305-1838)

Published

1999

Language

EN

Field

Environmental Science (Physical Sciences)