Two of us undertook the Mountain Ringlet transect at Glasdrum NNR last Tuesday, 3rd July 2018. This consists of 2 sections, each about 1km in length and roughly follows the 500m contour at the top of the mountain. Conditions had been very warm on the climb up but it had clouded over by the time we did the transect and we recorded 5 and 9 individuals on the respective sections. Some were disturbed from basking positions, but the majority appeared to be patrolling males.
However, it was the observations on the lower slopes that were more intriguing as we found 2 individuals on the ascent at 360ms and then on the descent via another route, a steady trickle of 26 individuals down to an altitude of about 340ms. We since heard from SNH that there was also a Mountain Ringlet seen on the regular transect that extends from the pylon corridor lower down. This could have been much lower, perhaps 200m altitude.
Although we were not expecting all sightings to be at the very top, we were surprised at the spread to lower levels. As conditions have been so dry, we wondered whether this was due to individuals seeking moister conditions lower down. Or is this nothing unusual? It all seemed contrary to the understandable fears that climate change is pushing this species off the top of some mountains.
Mountain Ringlet - Glasdrum
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Re: Mountain Ringlet - Glasdrum
Interesting observation. I have yet to hear of any evidence that climate change is having any impact on Mountain Ringlets. The species is doing very well in Cumbria, according to those I have spoken to up there, including at low altitude sites such as Irton Fell. Having said that, they are emerging earlier these days, but in terms of numbers, no changes.
Hopefully those with more professional knowledge will see this thread and we can get some feedback.
Hopefully those with more professional knowledge will see this thread and we can get some feedback.