7 / 23
Page 56
conferenceseries
.com
Volume 8
Journal of Ecosystem & Ecography
Biodiversity Congress 2018
July 26-27, 2018
July 26-27, 2018 Melbourne, Australia
7
th
International Conference on
Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Management
Utilizing ecological fire management to enhance purple copper butterfly habitat
Colleen Farrow
Central Tablelands Local Land Services, Australia
T
he purple copper butterfly
(Paralucia spinifera)
is a threatened species that is only found in the Central Tablelands of New
South Wales, All known populations reside above 900 meters, predominantly on north facing slopes that receive occasional
snowfalls. The butterfly is believed to utilize only one species of native shrub, the native blackthorn
(Bursaria spinosa ssp.
lasiophylla)
and relies on a mutualistic relationship with a native ant
(Anonychomyrma itinerans).
Habitat clearing, competition
from weeds and a lack of native blackthorn regeneration continue to threaten purple copper butterfly populations. Over the past
three years, ecological fire trials have been implemented as a tool to regenerate native blackthorn shrubs. Fire is emerging as an
important tool for threatened species across Australia and implementing carefully managed trials on purple copper butterfly
habitat is providing a new approach to managing the complex issues surrounding this species. This project has yielded promising
results, with significant basal shoot growth and lichen reduction recorded across trial sites. Such outcomes result in an increase
of additional food sources for larvae and potential enhancement of habitat areas. While this is a positive outcome and provides
management options, additional investigations are required. Studies on the relationship between the butterfly and the native
ant will enhance knowledge of their relationship and its role in population dynamics, as will further ecological fire trials and
ongoing larvae monitoring counts.
colleen.farrow@lls.nsw.gov.auJ Ecosyst Ecogr 2018, Volume 8
DOI: 10.4172/2157-7625-C4-042