Management of threatened insect species in Australia, with particular reference to butterflies

Authors: New, Tim R¹; Sands, Don P A²

Source: Australian Journal of Entomology, Volume 43, Number 3, July 2004 , pp. 258-270(13)

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Abstract:

Advances in determination of conservation status of insects through evaluation of threats (rather than simple `rarity' alone) help to set priorities for allocation of conservation resources, and formulate effective legislative treatment and field management for the most needy species. Summaries of several recent conservation studies on butterflies exemplify the variety of practical needs, amongst which habitat protection and enhancement is paramount. However, the paucity of biological and distributional information on most Australian insects necessitates considerable flexibility in approach, so that perceptions of conservation need may be highly subjective. Listing species for protection and conservation priority must be viewed as a dynamic process, with opportunity for rapid action, either to list or de-list taxa as research and recovery actions lead to change in perceived or real status and conservation need.

Keywords: action plans; butterflies; conservation; protected species lists; recovery

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1326-6756.2004.00434.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Zoology, La Trobe University, Vic 3086, Australia. 2: CSIRO Entomology, 120 Meiers Road, Indooroopilly, Qld 4068, Australia.

Publication date: 2004-07-01