Earth Protect Blog

There’s a very good chance of recovery for most species – if their habitat is protected

A female small bronze azure, one of 26 butterfly species at risk of extinction. Photograph: Butterfly Conservation SA

Michael F Braby, Hayley Geyle, Jaana Dielenberg, Phillip John Bell, Richard V Glatz, Roger Kitching and Tim R New for the Conversation

Tue 27 Apr 2021 22.49 EDT It might sound like an 18th century fashion statement but the “pale imperial hairstreak” is actually an extravagant butterfly. This pale blue (male) or white (female) butterfly was once widespread, found in old growth brigalow woodlands that covered 14m hectares across Queensland and New South Wales.

More than 90% of brigalow woodlands have been cleared and much of the remainder is in small, degraded and weed-infested patches. And the butterfly’s numbers have dropped dramatically.

Our new study has found that it has a 42% chance of extinction within 20 years.

It isn’t alone.  We also estimated the probability that they will be lost within 20 years.Without concerted new conservation efforts, we’ll not only lose unique elements of Australia’s nature but also the important ecosystem services these butterflies provide, such as pollination.

Only six are protected under law

We are sounding the alarm as most species identified as at risk have little or no management under way to conserve them, and only six of the 26 butterflies identified are listed for protection under Australian law.

The good news is there’s still a very good chance of recovery for most of these species, but only with new, targeted conservation efforts, such as protecting habitat from clearing and weeds, better fire management, and establishing more of the right caterpillar food plants.The butterflies identified are delightful and fascinating creatures, with intriguing lifecycles, including fussy food preferences, subterranean accommodation and intimate relationships with “servant” ants.

The Australian fritillary

Our most imperilled butterfly is the Australian fritillary, with a 94% chance of extinction within 20 years. Like many of our butterfly species, a major threat facing the fritillary is habitat loss and habitat change.