Thieves have removed a nest belonging to Narrow-headed Ants from the last stronghold of the species in England, according to Devon Wildlife Trust. The nest was taken without permission from the charity's Chudleigh Knighton Heath nature reserve in south Devon.
Discovery of the Theft
The theft was discovered in mid-October when conservation researchers carrying out regular checks on the ants found a hollow where a known nest had been. The surrounding ground showed clear signs of digging with a spade.
A single nest can hold a colony of between 1,000 and 5,000 ants, along with one or more breeding queens which can live for as many as 25 years.
Protected Species and Site
Chudleigh Knighton Heath is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), while Narrow-headed Ants are also a Section 41 species, Nationally Rare, and Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List of species. The theft has been reported to Devon and Cornwall Police, and the Devon Wildlife Trust is asking anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
Julia Balfour, from the Trust, said: "The removal of an established nest is a significant loss for this species. Narrow-headed Ant colonies develop slowly, and each mature nest, with its long-lived queens, represents many years of growth that cannot quickly be replaced."
Conservation Impact
Balfour added: "This is a crime every bit as serious as illegal raids on wild bird eggs. It shows the pressures that our nature and wild places are under. Our most recent survey recorded 142 active nests on the nature reserve, so every nest matters. This is the last population of Narrow-headed Ants in England, and losing even one colony sets back years of careful work by our staff, volunteers and partners. This incident makes us even more determined to ensure that our work to secure their future is a success."
The nature reserve is the last stronghold for the Narrow-headed Ant in England. A small number of colonies still exist in Scotland, including on the Royal Family's Balmoral Estate. The species, named for the distinctive "pinched" look of its head, was once much more widespread but has seen its numbers dwindle over the past 100 years as its favoured heathland homes have been lost to development and agricultural change.
The ant nest theft comes at a time when conservation efforts have recently begun, which specifically target improvements to secure the future of Narrow-headed Ants locally. A collaboration between Devon Wildlife Trust and Buglife began in the summer, following support from the Government.
Pc Lucy Wyatt, from Devon and Cornwall Police, added: "Sites of Special Scientific Interest are legally protected, and it is a criminal offence for any person to intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy, or disturb the protected area."
