Introduction
The isle of Rum is an National Nature Reserve and exists to protect the wide and diverse range of wildlife.
Its important colony of Manx Shearwater, pure Red Deer population, Golden and White Tailed Sea Eagles and other species rely on the islands unique habitat.
Designations
Besides being a National Nature Reserve Rum has several other designations of great importance.
1957 - National Nature Reserve.
1976 - Biosphere Reserve.
1978 - Part of 'The Small Isles' National Scenic Area.
1982 - Special Protection Area for Birds.
1987 - Site of Special Scientific Interest.
1987 - Seven Geological Conservation Review Sites.
1995 - Proposed Special Area of Conservation.
1996 - 17 sites scheduled as nationally important ancient monuments.
BBC AUTUMNWATCH Film Red Deer Rut
The BBC Autumnwatch programs have finished filming the red deer down at Kilmory on the North of the island.
Information and clips from the series are available on the BBC website 'Here'.
The Largest Worm In UK Found
In the woodland at Papidil on the south of the island, members of the Earthworm Research Group (University of Central Lancashire) encountered surprisingly large burrows belonging to the Lob worm (Lubricus terrestris). Investigations of the burrows revealed that they were home to exceedingly large worms - all weighing in excess of 10g, twice average mass. The largest weighed 12.7g - officially the largest recorded in the UK.
Reaching such large sizes may be due to lack of predators on the island (eg. moles, badgers, hedgehogs, foxes, etc.) and also the minimal soil disturbance. Further investigations are planned and larger specimens may well exist.
The researchers also recorded worms that had been marked by injecting a bio luminescent tag from a previous visit in 2005. This successful field 
trial of a brand new tagging technique has the potential to revolutionise field monitoring of earthworm populations. It is yet another example of innovative reasearch on Rum - in keeping with the islands international reputation as an 'outdoor laboratory'.
text © snh
Wildlife Exhibition
While visiting the island please have a look at our wildlife exhibition with marine life, identifying wildlife on the island and much more. Situated in the boat shed by the old pier..
image © Lorne Gill / snh