CUCKOO BEE (COELIOXYS MANDIBULARIS)
LOCAL BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN
OBJECTIVES
1. Maintain habitat for the host species.
2. Provide additional nesting habitat for host species.
LOCAL TARGETS
Implement annual monitoring of the species.
CURRENT STATUS
This is a coastal species, a cleptoparasite of bees in the genus Megachile, with records confined to three discontinuous areas of Britain: the Merseyside and Wallasey area of S. Lancashire and Wirral; South and mid Wales and South-east England.
Locally it is found in relict sand dunes within the North Wirral Coastal Park behind the gun site car park Wallasey. The host species here is considered to be Megachile maritima.
Apart from the general provisions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Coelioxys mandibularis is not specially protected by European or British legislation.
THREATS
- Habitat loss to development.
- Habitat loss to coarse vegetation, scrub/ woodland.
- Degredation resulting from the effects of public pressure (dune erosion).
- Dune stabilisation schemes.
CURRENT ACTION
ACTION REQUIRED IN 2006+
- Ensure that the species is included in site management documents for all relevant SSSIs by 2005.
- Species nest areas are outside SSSI on North Wirral coast. Extend SSSI to cover this area or designate new SSSI by 2005.
- Ensure Coelioxys mandibularis requirements are taken into account in all plans and strategies affecting the North Wirral Coast.
- Maintain a full transition of dune vegetation and conditions allowing the natural stabilisation of dune vegetation. Use fences or boardwalks where necessary to minimise excessive disturbance.
- Continue any management that contributes towards the overall character and stability of the dune system.
- Ensure that by the end of 2003 all relevant landowners and managers of sites with Coelioxys mandibularis are aware of the species needs, the importance of the species and that advice on its management is available.
- Implement regular monitoring of the species.
- Forward information gathered during monitoring to appropriate local and national data holders.
- Produce and distribute a simple leaflet identifying conservation needs and aims for sand dune invertebrate species including Coelioxys mandibularis by end of 2003.
ACTION COMPLETED PREVIOUSLY
None
ACTUAL LBAP IMPLEMENTERS
None
OTHER POTENTIAL IMPLEMENTERS
DEFRA |
Landowners/managers |
rECOrd |
English Nature |
Local groups and individuals |
Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council |
Environment Agency |
National Museums and Galleries of Merseyside |
Wirral Ranger Service |
CONTACT
Carl Clee, NMGM, Phone: 0151 478 4283.
REFERENCES
HMSO (1995): Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report, Volume 2: Action Plans, London.
HMSO (1995): Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report, Volume 1: Meeting the Rio Challenge, London.
Date compiled - 2002
Date reviewed -
This plan is part of the Wirral Biodiversity Action Plan which can be viewed at www.wirral.gov.uk/ed/biodiversity/home.htm