Sir, - The last full survey of the distribution of mink in Ireland, undertaken in the middle of 1980s, revealed that the only places in the 26 counties largely free of them were most of counties Mayo, Galway and Clare. I know that in Co Galway these animals are now widespread on Lough Corrib and can be found as far west as Connemara National Park at Letterfrack. However, I have recent information for only one locality in Clare and none from Mayo.
In connection with a book I am writing, I would be most grateful if any of your readers could enlighten me as to how far west mink have now spread in Clare and Mayo. I am sure that at least wildlife rangers, fishermen, wildfowlers and shooting men who put down pheasants must have some knowledge of the situation. Any information would be most gratefully received and all letters will be acknowledged. - Yours, etc.,
Prof James Fairley, Zoology Department, National University of Ireland, Galway.