Victorians are being encouraged to help protect the future of a critically endangered butterfly by planting a hardy ground-covering plant.
Leading the call, Minister for Environment and Climate Action, Lily D’Ambrosio said a recent study had found there may be more of the Golden-rayed Blue Butterflies, a rare butterfly only native to Victoria, in the wild than previously thought.
“Surveying the Wimmera region, Zoos Victoria and insect scientist Fabian Douglas have found that the Golden-rayed Blue Butterfly is more resilient than previously thought, with more existing than believed over an area of more than double the previously known range,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
“Adult butterflies were always seen close to the Creeping Boobialla, a flowering low-growing shrub which spreads over the ground, climbs tree trunks and drapes over other shrubs,” she said.
“The survey supports findings that the butterfly is dependent on the plant, where it lays its eggs to hatch caterpillars.”
Ms D’Ambrosio appealed to residents of the Wimmera region in western Victoria to plant Creeping Boobialla to boost the Golden-rayed Blue Butterfly’s chances of survival in the wild.
She said all Victorians should plant species native to their local region to allow native butterfly and invertebrate species to thrive.
“First described in 2004 by survey author Fabian Douglas and Dr Michael Braby, the Golden-rayed Blue Butterfly was believed to be on the brink of extinction due to historical loss of habitat around the salt-lakes where it occurs and ongoing degradation of these remaining areas through weed invasion, drought, and rabbit grazing,” the Minister said.
“Working with partners including Trust for Nature, the Dalki Garringa Native Nursery and local landholders, Zoos Victoria plans to support a range of actions aimed at gaining a better understanding of the species and reducing its risk of extinction.”
Further information on the critically endangered butterfly can be accessed at this PS News link.
