Conservationists reintroduce extinct cicada species to the UK

In a remarkable conservation effort, 11 New Forest cicadas were reintroduced to the UK after being extinct for over 30 years. This reintroduction took place at Paultons Park, located near the New Forest in England, where the cicadas previously thrived before disappearing in the 1990s. The Species Recovery Trust, which spearheaded the project, successfully transported these insects from northern France, where a team of entomologists captured them. As part of their adapted habitat, the cicadas are making use of local flora, including raspberry canes and hazel tree saplings. The cicadas’ demise in the UK is attributed to shifts in land management practices over the years, which have adversely affected their natural habitat. To facilitate the successful reintroduction, the Species Recovery Trust collaborated with Forestry England to implement appropriate management strategies that foster a conducive environment for the cicadas. Project officer Charlotte Carne highlighted the meticulousness and challenges inherent in reintroducing a species after such a long absence, expressing hope for future cicada populations in the New Forest. Although some of the female cicadas are already pregnant and laying eggs, proper evaluation of the project’s success will take several years, as cicadas generally spend a significant portion of their life cycle underground. Consequently, researchers will not ascertain the effectiveness of this initiative until at least 2029. Such timeline underscores the importance of patience and ongoing monitoring in conservation projects, as well as the long-term commitment required to restore extinct species. In parallel with the reintroduction, plans are being developed for importing additional New Forest cicadas from France to continue the breeding program at Paultons Park. Conservationists are also studying existing populations in Slovenia to better understand the behaviors and needs of this species. The project has received funding support from Natural England, the Swire Charitable Trust, and the Valentine Charitable Trust, showcasing a collaborative goal of reviving biodiversity in the region. The director of the Species Recovery Trust, Dominic Price, expressed optimism that the warming climate might favor the cicadas' survival, paving the way for a future when their songs can once again be heard in the New Forest.