Current status
The Scottish wood ant can be locally common in undisturbed woodland, including native pine woodland and old birch woodland. It also occurs on the borders and in clearings of forestry plantations. Nests are usually built on well-drained slopes or small ridges. Studies in Finland indicate that the main factors in determining distribution are the availability of suitable nest sites, a favourable microclimate, and a good food supply. Sap-feeding bugs are especially important, both as prey and for the honey-dew that they produce. It has been estimated that 90% of foraging activity by the ants is in the canopy of trees near the nest.
In Europe this ant is found from the Alps to Siberia and from northern Italy to Arctic Norway. Within the UK it has been recorded as far north as Ross and Sutherland. Its distribution extends west and south of this into the west Highlands and Argyll. Skye and Arran are the only Scottish islands with records. This species is probably under-recorded in the more remote parts of Scotland. A strong population is present at the sole Irish locality for the species in Armagh, Northern Ireland.
In Great Britain this species is classified as Nationally Scarce. It is classified by the IUCN (1996) as globally Near Threatened.
Current factors causing loss or decline
Loss of suitable native pine woodland.
Inappropriate woodland management.
Current action
The Scottish wood ant is included in the SNH Species Action Programme.
The response of populations of the Scottish wood ant to the regeneration of Caledonian pine forest is being monitored by SNH as a part of the Cairngorms Project.
Many of the sites where it occurs are SSSIs or NNRs and some are RSPB or FC reserves.
Action plan objectives and targets
Maintain the natural range of this ant in the UK.
Maintain populations at all known sites.
Proposed actions with lead agencies
Policy and legislation
Include specific targets and management for the Scottish wood ant in Forest Design Plans across the species current and former range. (ACTION: FE)
Take account of the requirements of this ant when considering woodland grant scheme applications. (ACTION: DANI, EHS, FC, SNH)
Site safeguard and management
Where possible, ensure that all occupied habitat is appropriately managed by 2008, for example through site management agreements. (ACTION: EHS, FC, SNH)
Where possible, increase the available habitat at known sites and adjacent areas, and attempt to link up existing fragments of habitat, through native pinewood expansion policies in Indicative Forestry Strategies. (ACTION: FC, SNH)
Incorporate the requirements of this species in relevant development policies, plans and proposals. (ACTION: EHS, LAs, SNH)
Ensure that this ant is included in all site management documents for relevant SSSIs/ ASSIs, and management plans for RSPB and FC reserves. (ACTION: EHS, FC, SNH)
Species management and protection
None proposed.
Advisory
Advise landowners and managers of the presence of this species and the importance of beneficial management for its conservation. (ACTION: EHS, FC, SNH)
Future Research and Monitoring
Undertake surveys to determine the range and status of this ant in the UK. (ACTION: EHS, FC, SNH)
Undertake ecological research to establish the habitat requirements of this species. (ACTION: EHS, FC, SNH)
Monitor the response of the Scottish wood ant to the regeneration of Caledonian pine forest and birch woodland. (ACTION: SNH)
Pass information gathered during survey and monitoring of this species to a central database for incorporation in national and international databases. (ACTION: EHS, SNH)
Communications and Publicity
Promote opportunities for the appreciation of the Scottish wood ant and the conservation issues associated with its habitats. This should be achieved through articles within appropriate journals, as well as by publicity leaflets. (ACTION: EHS, FC, SNH)
Links with other action plans
None given.
Local implementation
The following LBAPs are working on Formica aquilonia:
Publication details
Originally published in: UK Biodiversity Group Tranche 2 Action Plans - Volume IV: Invertebrates (March 1999, Tranche 2, Vol IV, p241)