New Forest cicada being reintroduced in UK after extinction

The Herald Scotland

13-06-2025

The New Forest cicada (Cicadetta montana) was once found across the New Forest, but the last confirmed sightings were back in the 1990s.
Conservationists believe the insects became extinct in the UK because of changes to the way land was managed.
Native wild animals in the UK
New Forest cicada reintroduced to the UK as scientists say "it's like bringing them back from the dead"
Species Recovery Trust project officer, Charlotte Carne, said: 'This has been a really challenging project so it's amazing to see New Forest cicadas in England after all this time.
'It's like bringing them back from the dead.'
The Trust recruited a French entomologist this week who captured the 11 female cicadas in northern France and had them shipped to the UK on Wednesday (June 11).
It is understood that some of the insects are already pregnant and have been laying eggs in their specially created habitat, which is full of their favourite plants such as raspberry canes and hazel tree saplings.
Because cicadas spend at least four years underground as nymphs, the trust will not know until 2029 at the earliest whether this phase of the project has been successful.
If they survive, the conservationists can release the adults at secret locations in the New Forest.
Species Recovery Trust has said reintroducing the New Forest cicada to the UK is like "bringing them back from the dead". (Image: Pete Hughes/PA) In the meantime, Species Recovery Trust said it hopes to import more cicadas from France to continue the breeding programme at Paultons Park.
They are also studying populations of the same species in Slovenia to learn more about their behaviour.
Species Recovery Trust director, Dominic Price, said: 'We believe the New Forest cicada probably went extinct because of changes to the way land was managed, but we have worked with Forestry England to put the right kind of management in place.
'What's more, we think that our warming climate could also favour their survival, so we are very hopeful that one day soon, cicadas will sing in the New Forest again.'
This project is the first of its kind and has been funded by Natural England, the Swire Charitable Trust and the Valentine Charitable Trust.
Acting deputy director for the Thames Solent Area Team at Natural England, Graham Horton, added: 'This project represents a remarkable achievement, showcasing the dedication, innovation and teamwork that made it possible.
'After years of absence, we finally have New Forest cicada on English shores again and we look forward to the next phase of the project to explore re-establishing this species in the New Forest.'
What is a New Forest cicada?
New Forest cicadas are described as "musical" insects and are known for their singing.
Buglife explains: "New forest cicada males are known for their characteristic high pitched singing which they perform to woo females for mating.
"The pitch of the Cicadas song is so high that it is at the limits of human hearing, and a struggle for most adults to hear."
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The adult insects are black with distinct golden rings and transparent wings, with females growing to about 5cm while males are slightly smaller.
Once New forest cicadas hatch, they are often found high up in trees out of sight, Buglife reports, making them "extremely difficult to find".
"Singing is therefore one of the most effective methods of finding these elusive insects," the experts added.