Southern wood ant  (Formica rufa)

Although the reasons for the decline are not fully understood (5), it is thought that loss of woodland habitat and unsuitable management practices leading to overgrowth of sunny areas, as well as disturbance by humans and livestock may be involved (4).

The southern wood ant is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) priority species, the Species Action Plan aims to maintain a network of populations throughout the UK range. A number of colonies occur within National Nature Reserves (NNRs), and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and so will be afforded a degree of protection (4).