<
https://theconversation.com/next-time-you-see-a-butterfly-treasure-the-memory-scientists-raise-alarm-on-these-26-species-159798>
"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 14 million hectares across Queensland and News South
Wales.
But since the 1950s, over 90% of brigalow woodlands have been cleared, and much
of the remainder is in small degraded and weed infested patches. And with it,
the butterfly numbers have dropped dramatically.
In fact, our new study has found it has a 42% chance of extinction within 20
years.
It isn’t alone. Our team of 28 scientists identified the top 26 Australian
butterfly species and subspecies at greatest risk of extinction. We also
estimated the probability that they will be lost within 20-years.
Without concerted new conservation effort, we’ll not only lose unique elements
of Australia’s nature, but also the important ecosystem services these
butterflies provide, such as pollination."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
