Rare species of short-necked oil beetle found on Tiree
A rare beetle has been discovered on the Isle of Tiree for the first time after a new multi-series conservation programme in the Outer Hebrides.
After hearing about the success of a short-necked oil beetle workshop on North Uist, enthusiasts found the species on Tiree for the first time.
There were 24 of the incredibly rare species found at the Species on the Edge multi-species conservation programme, which kicked off last month.
The programme is a new and ambitious partnership between eight conservation organisations dedicated to improving the fortunes of 37 priority species on Scotland’s coast and islands.
Programme activity is spread across seven project areas: the Inner Hebrides and Argyll; Solway; the East Coast; the North Coast; Orkney; Shetland; and the Outer Hebrides.
The Outer Hebrides launch event took place on Tuesday 25 April, with attendees learning more about the programme and one of the 37 target species - the short-necked oil beetle - at the North Uist Agricultural Centre.
They then headed to Balranald township to look for the rare invertebrates and it was a successful trip, as they discovered 24 beetles.
The other Outer Hebrides target species include the great yellow bumblebee, dunlin, northern colletes mining bee, common pipistrelle bat, Arctic tern, lapwing, and the Irish lady’s tresses orchid.
Buglife conservation officer, Sally Morris, said “In 2020, the only known populations of short-necked oil beetles in Scotland were found on the Isle of Coll. Thanks to increased awareness through Species on the Edge, more populations have been found around Scotland.
“Short-necked oil beetles are rare in Great Britain and vulnerable to extinction due to their small, scattered populations. The presence of short-necked oil beetles are a great indicator of a healthy biodiverse ecosystem, as their lifecycle is linked to the northern colletes mining bee, a species that relies on flower-rich coastal grassland.”
Ms Morris added: “Over the next four years, we will be talking to landowners about how they can manage their land to provide the right conditions for the short-necked oil beetle, and other invertebrate species.”
The event also marked the launch of Buglife’s citizen science project, the Scottish Oil Beetle Search.
Katy Malone (Bumblebee Conservation Trust), the programme’s Outer Hebrides area manager, was excited about the events launch and finding the rare beetle.
Ms Malone said: “This workshop marks the start of a four-year programme in the Outer Hebrides, and for me, it could not have gone any better. Residents and visitors should particularly watch out for the Outer Hebrides Wildlife Festival, which is being co-ordinated by the Bumblebee Conservation Trust over the next four years as part of the wider Species on the Edge programme.”
This festival will be taking place from Saturday June 24 to Saturday July 1 and is an opportunity for attendees to get closer to nature through guided walks, boat trips, outdoor activities, exhibitions and more.
Over the four and a half years, officers based in each of the seven project areas will be working closely with those who live there to help them protect their local biodiversity.
Find out more about Species on the Edge on their website: www. nature.scot/scotlands-biodiversity/species-edge-sote/ species-edge-about-project.