Citizen scientists identify new Eltham Copper Butterfly populations
The rare Eltham Copper Butterfly is spreading its wings and has been discovered in new locations in the suburb for the first time.
Council is thrilled to confirm the existence of two previously unrecorded Eltham Copper Butterfly breeding sites; one at an Eltham reserve and the other at Eltham East Primary School.
The Nillumbik Environmental Works team together with consultants Wildlife Experiences have also confirmed a breeding population of the butterfly at Hohnes Hill Reserve. Eltham Copper Butterfly larvae were last recorded at this site more than 15 years ago.
Council recently secured $200,000 in Federal Government funding via the Environmental Restoration Fund for the Eltham Copper Butterfly conservation and collaboration project.
The project is focused on identifying and implementing priority conservation management across 13 Eltham Copper Butterfly colonies, including seven sites in Eltham managed by Council.
Council is working in collaboration with project partners Acacia Environmental Management, Banyule Council, Melbourne Water, Parks Victoria, Eltham East Primary School, Friends of Eltham Copper Butterfly, Friends of Woodridge Linear Reserve and private landowners.
Nillumbik Mayor, Frances Eyre, said that the Eltham Copper Butterfly is a much-loved endangered species unique to the area.
“It is extraordinary that the butterfly garden at Eltham East Primary School, developed under the last major Eltham Copper Butterfly grant is now providing the population at the school with breeding opportunities,” Cr Eyre said
“The long-term survival of the Eltham Copper Butterfly relies on active management of these sites to ensure there is suitable habitat for foraging and breeding.
“Building on a long and extraordinary history of community effort to protect the species in Nillumbik, this grant project will help ensure the Eltham Copper Butterfly populations persist and thrive.”
There are many ways the community can get involved helping to protect and conserve the butterfly and its habitat:
