Current status
This ant is localised, but widely distributed in Europe. It has been recorded in only two main habitat types in the UK: on lowland heathland in southern England and in native pine forests in the Scottish Highlands. Historical records suggest two population centres in England: one covering the Dorset heathlands, the New Forest and the Isle of Wight, and the other centred on the Bovey valley in Devon, with an outlying record from the north Cornish coast. Recent surveys failed to record the species from the former area, but colonies were found at four sites in Devon in the early 1990s, including Chudleigh Knighton Heath (80 nests) and Bovey Heathfield (5 nests). The remnant population in the Bovey Valley appears to be just viable.
Most historical records in Scotland originate from mid-Strathspey, with outlying locations in Easter Ross and Rannoch Moor. Scottish populations have recently been recorded in Glen More and the Abernethy Forest, and at Carrbridge.
Both main Devon sites are designated as SSSIs and one is a Devon Wildlife Trust reserve. Similarly, the Glen More site is within a reserve managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and Forest Enterprise. The Abernethy Forest is notified as a SSSI , with part of it an NNR, and is an RSPB reserve.
The narrow-headed ant is listed as Endangered on the GB red List.
Current factors causing loss or decline
The loss of suitable heathland due to destruction and inappropriate management, for example through agriculture and urban development, inappropriate afforestation, untimely and extensive fires, and encroachment by scrub, trees and bracken leading to shading out of nests and subsequent encouragement of competitive species of ant at sites in England.
Loss of natural and semi-natural habitats in Scotland, e.g. Caledonian Pine Forest, and the intensive management of moorland for game birds and red deer.
Motorcycle scrambling at Bovey Heathfield in England
Excessive grazing and inadequate browsing by inappropriate species of ponies in the New Forest, and the production of dense, single age heather (Calluna vulgaris) monoculture with reduced marginal scrub between heath and woodland.
Nutrient enrichment of soils and development of grass swath.
Habitat fragmentation leading to potential inbreeding and loss of genetic fitness in isolated populations.
Current action
A report on the distribution, ecology and conservation of the ant in Devon was prepared by Exeter University for WWF in 1993.
Management plans have been prepared for both Bovey Heathfield and Chudleigh Knighton Heath. The Chudleigh Knighton Heath plan is being implemented and is proving beneficial to the ant.
Further survey work is currently being undertaken on the Devon sites with funding from NE`s Species Recovery Programme.
Surveys have been undertaken for this species in Glen More and Abernethy which located more than 80 nests.
Action plan objectives and targets
Maintain the size of the two main Devon populations and those in Glen More.
If biologically feasible, enhance the two main populations in England (Devon) and in Scotland (Mar Lodge and Rannoch)
Re-establish 10 self-sustaining populations in appropriate locations in Dorset or the New Forest by 2005.
Proposed actions with lead agencies
Policy and legislation
No action proposed.
Site safeguard and management
Seek to secure favourable management for this species at all existing sites, helping to prepare, and encouraging the implementation of, management plans including protecting existing sites from damaging activities. (ACTION: NE, SNH)
Species management and protection
Following further survey and research, and the identification of suitable sites, seek to restore 10 populations to former sites in Dorset or the New Forest by 2005, using artificial rearing techniques as necessary. (ACTION: NE)
Advisory
Ensure the provision of detailed guidance to site owners and managers regarding the management requirements of the species and its habitat. (ACTION: NE, FA, SNH)
Future Research and Monitoring
Promote research to identify the habitat requirements of this species, especially into colony structure and formation, genetic variation and integrity of colonies, competition with other ants, asexual reproduction, artificial rearing and translocation techniques. (ACTION: NE, SNH)
In co-ordination with other organisations, survey all former and existing sites in Scotland to ascertain the current status of the species in the country. (ACTION: SNH)
Encourage monitoring of existing populations and identify any further threats to the species. (ACTION: NE, SNH)
Encourage research on the ecology and distribution of this ant at an international level and use the information and expertise gained towards its conservation both in the UK and internationally. (ACTION: JNCC)
Pass information gathered during survey and monitoring of this species to JNCC or BRC so that it can be incorporated in national databases. (ACTION: NE, SNH)
Provide information annually to the World Conservation Monitoring Centre on the UK status of the species to contribute to maintenance of an up-to-date global red lists. (ACTION: JNCC)
Communications and Publicity
Promote opportunities for the appreciation and conservation of the narrow headed ant and its habitat. (ACTION: NE, SNH)
Links with other action plans
None given.
Local implementation
The following LBAPs are working on Formica exsecta:
Publication details
Originally published in: Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report - Volume II: Action Plans (December 1995, Tranche 1, Vol 2, p140)
Related links
ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to this species