Conservation partnership establishes new population to help secure species’ future.
As part of the Changing Chalk partnership, which is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Buglife has worked with Natural England and Sussex Wildlife Trust to relocate thirty-two Wart-biter Bush-crickets (Decticus verrucivorus) to establish a new population in the South Downs, Sussex.
The Wart-biter Bush-cricket is one of Britain’s most endangered insects, with only six known populations remaining across the UK. Four of these existing sites are already within the Changing Chalk project area, making this translocation an important step in securing the species’ long-term future.
Despite having wings, these remarkable insects are unable to fly – often leaving them trapped on isolated patches of high-quality chalk grassland. “They’re prisoners of their own habitat,” explains Buglife Changing Chalk Conservation Officer, Alice Parfitt. “Without human intervention, it is unlikely that they would be able to colonise new areas, as a result of habitat fragmentation, no matter how perfect the conditions in other areas might be.”
The Wart-biter Bush-cricket requires very specific conditions to survive: pristine chalk grassland rich with flowering plants and a mosaic of short and tussocky grass structures.
Volunteers make conservation magic happen
This summer’s carefully orchestrated capture and relocation mission was made possible by dedicated volunteers who spent countless hours surveying existing populations through the Changing Chalk project. Their efforts have laid the groundwork for what conservationists hope will become a thriving new population.
“This year’s translocation is just the beginning,” says Mark Monk-Terry, Reserves Manager from Sussex Wildlife Trust. “We’re optimistic that with continued support, this site will hum with Wart-biter activity for generations to come.”
Changing Chalk translocation volunteer © Alice Parfitt
Wart-biter Bush-crickets (Decticus verrucivorus) © Steven Falk
Sussex Wildlife Trust assist with translocation © Karim Vahed
Proven Success Story
The translocation technique isn’t just hopeful thinking – it works. A similar project ten years ago, which Buglife was involved with, has created a flourishing population that continues to expand beyond its original release area, proving that these conservation interventions can deliver lasting results.
The team plans to relocate similar numbers of individuals annually over the next three years, ensuring the new population has the best possible chance of establishing and thriving.
Main Image Credit: Buglife Changing Chalk Conservation Officer, Alice, about to release a Wart-biter Bush-cricket © Karim Vahed