Species Statement

The hairy wood ant is a major scavenger and predator of other invertebrates in woodlands in northern Britain. It builds prominent nest mounds, in spots exposed to the sun, along woodland rides and in clearings. Suitable habitat can sustain numerous colonies which may be linked by trails to form supercolonies.

The UK distribution of the hairy wood ant extends from the Highlands of Scotland through upland areas of northern England as far south as mid Wales. It can be locally common in these areas and the UK populations of this ant appear to be stable, even increasing at some sites. The hairy wood ant is found across the northern Palaearctic and in cooler mountainous regions of central and southern Europe and Asia. In much of its range it is reported as threatened by disturbance, development and changes in woodland management. In several European countries wood ants are protected by law and in others they are included in national Red Data Books.

In Great Britain this species is classified as Local. It is classified by the IUCN (1996) as globally Near Threatened.

Loss of suitable woodland habitat through agricultural clearance, urban or industrial development and unsympathetic afforestation.

Inappropriate woodland management, for example through changes in traditional practices, intensive afforestation with conifers or destructive felling operations. Loss of sunny woodland rides and clearings due to overgrowth and scrub invasion.

Some populations are on SSSIs and/or NNRs.

Some woodlands are managed locally to help conserve the species, or are under sympathetic management by FC, RSPB, NT, local Wildlife Trusts or private ownership.

No local implementation.

Originally published in: UK Biodiversity Group Tranche 2 Action Plans - Volume VI: Terrestrial and freshwater species and habitats (October 1999, Tranche 2, Vol VI, p81)

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