Reintroduction and post-release monitoring of the state-endangered Miami Blue butterfly
Daniels JC, Emmel TC, Pence JA, Heffernan EV, Sanchez SJ, Eliazar PJ, Schlachta JB. 2004. Reintroduction and post-release monitoring of the state-endangered Miami Blue butterfly
The Miami Blue (Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri) is a state-endangered butterfly endemic to South Florida. The species recent decline to near extinction levels prompted a large-scale, cooperative conservation program between the NPS, FFWCC, USFWS, DEP, and the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Environmental Research at the University of Florida to help restore the Miami Blue butterfly to a level that does not require protection. To date, efforts have focused on status surveys, population studies, and captive propagation, but now move toward organism reintroduction. The specific objectives of the proposed project are twofold: (1) Reintroduce captive bred individuals into predetermined Park areas with suitable habitat and available host and nectar resources, (2) Monitor reintroduction sites following organism release to determine the success of colony establishment, overall population abundance, and extent of dispersal into adjacent suitable habitat areas. The resulting release activities and research will serve as a model to help evaluate colony establishment, monitor organism movement and dispersal, and refine techniques for future reintroductions within the species historic range. Abstract provided by author.
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- Daniels, Jaret; Emmel, Thomas; Pence, J; Heffernan, Emily; Sanchez, Stephanie; Eliazar, Peter; Schlachta, James
- Date of Issue
- 2004-03-24
- Units
- BISC
- Keywords
- Abundance, Bethunebakeri, BLUE, Butterfly, Cyclargus thomasi, Endangered Species, Endemic, Extinction, Miami, Monitoring, Population, Reintroduce