The short version
- The Devon Wildlife Trust and Buglife have launched a project to protect two nationally scarce ant species in England.
- Funding of £212,000 supports habitat improvements at existing reserves and the establishment of new colonies at nearby sites.
- Conservationists aim to double the number of narrow-headed ant nests at Chudleigh Knighton Heath from 200 to over 400.
A new conservation initiative in Devon is focusing on the preservation of two of the United Kingdom’s rarest ant species, aiming to reverse long-term population declines through targeted habitat management. The project, a collaboration between the Devon Wildlife Trust and the invertebrate charity Buglife, addresses the precarious status of the narrow-headed ant and the erratic ant, both of which have suffered significant losses over the past century and a half.
The primary driver behind these declines has been the destruction and degradation of heathland environments, which serve as critical habitats for these insects. With the narrow-headed ant existing at only one known site in England and the erratic ant classified as nationally scarce, experts warn that the survival of both species remains at risk without active intervention to restore their natural surroundings.
Financial support for this three-year endeavor comes from the government’s wildlife restoration campaign, which has allocated £212,000 to the effort. This funding allows conservation teams to implement immediate improvements to existing nature reserves while also preparing new locations for colony expansion. The strategy focuses on securing current populations before attempting to broaden their geographic distribution.
At Chudleigh Knighton Heath, home to the sole English population of the narrow-headed ant, the initial goal is substantial. Chris Moulton of the Devon Wildlife Trust stated that the team intends to double the number of nests for this species, increasing the count from approximately 200 to more than 400. This increase would provide a stronger buffer against environmental fluctuations and potential threats.
The narrow-headed ant, a type of wood ant, is distinguished by its unique head shape, which conservationists describe as having a pinched appearance. While it has a few remaining sites in Scotland, its presence in England is limited to the Chudleigh Knighton reserve. Protecting this isolated population is considered vital for maintaining genetic diversity and ensuring the species does not vanish from southern Britain.
The second focus of the project is the erratic ant, recently identified at the Bovey Heathfield nature reserve. This species earned its name due to its distinctive foraging style, characterized by high-energy, meandering movements that appear unpredictable to observers. Like its counterpart, the erratic ant has seen its numbers dwindle as suitable heathland habitats have disappeared or become fragmented.
Beyond reinforcing existing colonies, the plan involves establishing new populations at other protected sites within the region. Reserves such as Ideford Common and Teigngrace Meadow are slated to become home to both species in the coming years. This expansion strategy aims to reduce the vulnerability of the ants by distributing them across multiple locations rather than concentrating them in single points of failure.
Laura Krusin, a conservation officer with Buglife, emphasized that the loss of heathland homes has been the most significant factor in the decline of these insects over the last 150 years. By restoring these environments, the project seeks to create stable conditions that allow the ants to thrive naturally. The success of this initiative could serve as a model for other conservation efforts targeting invertebrates dependent on specific habitat types.
The broader implications of this work extend beyond ant populations, as healthy heathland ecosystems support a wide variety of flora and fauna. Restoring these areas benefits not only the narrow-headed and erratic ants but also other species that rely on similar environmental conditions. As the project moves forward, monitoring will be essential to assess whether habitat improvements are translating into measurable gains for these rare insects.
With the first phase focused on securing existing colonies, conservationists hope to see tangible progress within the three-year timeframe. The combination of direct habitat management and strategic relocation offers a comprehensive approach to addressing the threats faced by these species. If successful, the project will demonstrate that targeted investment can effectively counteract the long-term damage inflicted on Britain’s natural heritage.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Science & Environment↗Heathland plan to support two rare species of ant
