Rare ant nest stolen from last place in England where species survives
Summary
A nest of narrow-headed ants was stolen from Chudleigh Knighton Heath nature reserve in south Devon, the last place in England where the species survives. Devon Wildlife Trust reported the theft to police and said the loss could set back conservation work because mature colonies take years to develop.Key Facts
- Researchers discovered the theft during routine checks in mid-October, finding a hole and signs that someone had dug with a spade.
- A narrow-headed ant nest can contain 1,000 to 5,000 ants and one or more queens that may live for up to 25 years.
- Narrow-headed ants have declined as habitat was lost to agricultural change and building development.
- The species is nationally rare and classified as near threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List.
- Devon Wildlife Trust said the thief likely had prior knowledge of ant colonies because nest locations are not obvious.
- The charity said moving ants requires expertise and that removing one nest to establish it elsewhere may not succeed.
- The theft was reported to Devon and Cornwall police; deliberately disturbing or removing material from a nature reserve is against the law.
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