Overview
- Devon Wildlife Trust reported that a mature nest of the Narrow-headed ant was removed without permission from Chudleigh Knighton Heath, the last known stronghold for the species in England.
- Researchers discovered the absence during routine checks in mid-October when they found a hollow and clear signs of digging where the nest had been.
- Devon and Cornwall Police have opened an investigation, stressed that disturbing a Site of Special Scientific Interest is a criminal offence, and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
- Conservationists say the loss is severe because a single mature nest can hold 1,000–5,000 ants and one or more queens that may live for up to 25 years, so the colony cannot be quickly replaced.
- The Devon Wildlife Trust and Buglife are reviewing security and continuing monitoring of the reserve’s 142 recorded active nests while warning the theft could set back years of government-backed recovery work under the Wild Again programme.