Rare narrow-headed ant nest stolen from last English stronghold at Devon reserve

A nest containing up to 5,000 narrow-headed ants—England's rarest ant species—has been stolen from Chudleigh Knighton Heath nature reserve in south Devon, according to Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT). The charity described the theft as 'reckless' and said it sets back years of conservation work. This reserve is the last place in England where the species still survives, making the loss particularly devastating for biodiversity. The narrow-headed ant is a key indicator of healthy heathland habitat, and its decline reflects broader environmental pressures. DWT has been working to protect and monitor the colony, and the theft undermines efforts to secure the species' future. The incident highlights the vulnerability of rare wildlife to illegal collection and the need for greater public awareness and protection measures. The charity is urging anyone with information to come forward, as the stolen colony is unlikely to survive outside its natural habitat. This setback underscores the fragility of endangered species and the ongoing challenge of conserving them in the wild.