Thieves dig up colony of England’s rarest ant from its last stronghold

Thieves have dug up a nest of England’s rarest ant from its last stronghold in the country, a nature reserve in south Devon.

The colony of narrow-headed ants was taken from Chudleigh Knighton Heath, near Newton Abbot. Researchers on a routine check in mid-October found a hollow where a known nest had been, with signs that someone had dug it out with a spade.

Devon Wildlife Trust has reported the theft to Devon and Cornwall Police and is asking anyone with information to come forward.

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“A significant loss for this species”

Julia Balfour, from Devon Wildlife Trust, said: “The removal of an established nest is a significant loss for this species.” She explained that each mature nest is the result of many years of growth that cannot quickly be replaced, and that the theft sets back years of work by staff, volunteers and partners.

The heath is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). PC Lucy Wyatt of Devon and Cornwall Police said SSSIs are legally protected and that damaging or disturbing one is a criminal offence.

How the ants are being saved

Narrow-headed ant numbers have fallen over the past 100 years as heathland was lost to building and changes in farming. Devon Wildlife Trust and the charity Buglife began a government-backed project this summer to help the species recover.

If you have any information, contact Devon and Cornwall Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Source: ITV News West Country, Devon Wildlife Trust.