New Forest burnet  (Zygaena viciae argyllensis)

Threats

Potential threats facing this endangered moth include sheep grazing and collecting of adults and caterpillars. The fact that just a single colony exists at present makes this subspecies inherently vulnerable to chance events, such as storms and accidental habitat damage, for example (3).

Conservation

The New Forest Burnet is listed as a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and a Species Action Plan has been produced to coordinate conservation efforts aimed at this moth (3). One of the aims of the Action Plan was to increase the current size of the population to over 250 adults. This was achieved by 1999. The colony occurs within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) where the needs of the moth are considered in the management of the site by Scottish Natural Heritage. Furthermore, the site has been fenced to keep sheep out of the area, and the colony is monitored regularly so that any changes can be detected (3).

The UK Biodiversity Action Plan for this species is available at UK BAP.
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