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International gathering for significant forest predator

Photograph of a wood ant © Gabor Pozsgai
The survival of wood ants and their habitats demands the involvement and cooperation of different facets of society from scientists to land managers

Insect experts from across Europe gathered in Aberdeen last week for the first ever conference on wood ants. The two day symposium, organised jointly by the James Hutton Institute, the Scottish Wildlife Trust and Buglife took place at The James Hutton Institute from 18-19 October 2011.

An important woodland predator, wood ants are under threat from changes to their habitat. The Wood Ant Symposium addressed current understanding of the ecology and habitats of wood ants and the threats they face, as well as management techniques which could help protect the future of the species.

Collectively the most significant predator in Caledonian pinewoods, the weight of worker ants from just a few large nests can weigh as much as a fully grown red deer.

Wood ant expert and Scottish Wildlife Trust Director of Conservation Jonathan Hughes said, "Wood ants are valued and important to our forests and the delegates at the symposium all had the same aim - to express concern that forests need to be managed to ensure these fascinating and important animals survive into the future."

Jenni Stockan, an Insect Ecologist at The James Hutton Institute said, "The survival of wood ants and their habitats demands the involvement and cooperation of different facets of society from scientists to land managers.

"The real success of this event was being able to bring these groups together to ensure we learn from each other."

Commenting on the event, the well-known biologist and myrmecologist Professor Edward Wilson said, "Wood ants are a shining example of how ants fit into the environment as a stabilising force while serving humanity as a positive economic agent".

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Printed from /news/international-gathering-significant-forest-predator on 29/03/24 02:00:42 AM

The James Hutton Research Institute is the result of the merger in April 2011 of MLURI and SCRI. This merger formed a new powerhouse for research into food, land use, and climate change.