New pine hoverfly Conservation Strategy leads the way in protecting one of Britain’s most endangered insects

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) and its partners have launched the first-ever Pine Hoverfly Conservation Strategy, a landmark plan designed to safeguard one of Britain’s most endangered native species and restore the health of the native woodland ecosystems it calls home.

The strategy, developed by the Pine Hoverfly Steering Group as part of the Rare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms (RIC) project, sets out a coordinated, science-led approach focused on breeding, habitat restoration, identification of suitable release sites, post-release monitoring and securing ongoing project funding. This comprehensive plan aims to reverse the decline of the pine hoverfly, an insect that plays a crucial role as both pollinator and decomposer in Scotland’s forest environments.

Dr Helen Taylor, conservation programme manager at RZSS, said, “The Pine Hoverfly Conservation Strategy is a major milestone. It provides a clear roadmap for improving the long-term prospects of this species and highlights the importance of a collaborative effort across multiple organisations to maximise chances of conservation success. Having a clear strategy is recognised as a key step in reversing the decline of threatened species and is a key part of the work that RZSS is involved in.

“By focusing in tandem on habitat restoration and conservation breeding for release, we’re not just saving a single insect, we’re helping to support the entire woodland ecosystem. These tiny hoverflies are fantastic flagships for the connected, diverse Scots pine forests that so many of our other native species rely on.”

A key component of this strategy will continue to be the yearly release of thousands of pine hoverflies from the RZSS conservation breeding programme into protected habitats at RSPB Scotland’s Abernethy nature reserve, Forestry and Land Scotland’s Glenmore Forest Park and Anagach Woodland Trust’s woods. Further releases are planned over the summer to strengthen these reintroduced populations and expansion into other sites in the future will be important in achieving the partnership’s goals.

The Pine Hoverfly Conservation Strategy represents a hopeful step forward in ensuring the long-term survival of this small but vital insect, whose wellbeing is closely tied to the health of Scotland’s native woodlands.

Claire Smith, senior conservation officer at RSPB Scotland said, “The image of a diverse Scot’s pine forest filled with the glorious sight of pine hoverflies going about their business has sustained years of hard work by countless people. The new Pine Hoverfly Conservation Strategy is an important step forward to secure a future for this important species. It pulls together the many types of dedicated conservation action required to save a species.

“Working with partners and our incredible volunteers, RSPB Scotland will continue to deliver habitat management and creation, alongside surveys and monitoring for pine hoverfly all of which supports the ongoing release programme. Together, we know we can make a real difference and benefit other wildlife and habitats too.”

Funding for the RZSS breeding programme from Cairngorms National Park Authority, Forestry and Land Scotland, Marvelous Europe Inc., NatureScot, The National Geographic Society, Cheeky Panda, NatureScot’s Nature Restoration Fund alongside support from the Scottish Government’s zoos and aquariums fund and players of People’s Postcode Lottery, has been critical in ensuring this vital project can continue.