Finding the Purple Copper Butterfly
Previously only known to occur in the Central Tablelands of NSW, populations of the rare Purple Copper Butterfly (Paralucia spinifera) have been found in Namadgi National Park again this year, following their discovery in the ACT in 2021.
Minister for the Environment Rebecca Vassarotti said the collaboration between ACT Government ecologists, community butterfly experts and volunteers has enabled a successful survey of the butterflies despite the wet conditions this year.
“Following their discovery in the ACT last year, we are very excited to announce that new populations of the endangered Purple Copper Butterfly have been found in two areas of Namadgi National Park,” Minister Vassarotti said.
“We know that the butterflies are very particular about elevation, being found only in areas between 850 and 1150 metres above sea level. They seem to favour post-fire habitats dominated by their primary food, Blackthorn plants. The butterflies then play an important role in fire recovery as a source of food themselves.
“However, the surveys conducted this year are also suggesting that non-fire-affected areas in the ACT may be important habitats for the species. These monitoring efforts, in conjunction with citizen science, are crucial to improving our understanding of the endangered species, including how it interacts with the other plants and animals in the ACT,” Minister Vassarotti said.
To help conservation efforts, the community is encouraged to upload possible sightings of the Purple Copper Butterfly to Canberra Nature Map.
Read the full media release: https://www.cmtedd.act.gov.au/open_government/inform/act_government_media_releases/vassarotti/2022/finding-the-purple-copper-butterfly