It is vital that action is taken to help the most threatened of our butterflies and moths to halt, then reverse declines
We know that lots of our butterflies and moths are in dramatic decline and wildlife habitats continue to deteriorate.
Climate change and pollution also pose considerable challenges for all species.
This proposed new project, starting in April 2008, will provide management advice landowners of key areas for endgangered butterfly and moth species.
The project will also support and expand the recording and monitoring of Northern Ireland’s butterflies and moths.
Effort will be concentrated on conservation measures for four butterflies: Marsh Fritillary, Dingy Skipper, Small Blue and Wall.
We will also be focusing on nine moths: Argent & Sable, Small Eggar, Pale Eggar, Sword Grass, Irish Plume Moth, Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth, Beaded Chestnut Feathered Gothic andPyrausta sanguinalis.
From the 2007 review of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, 8 butterflies and 65 moths identified as Priority Species occur in Northern Ireland. With the exception of the Irish Plume Moth, all of the above are on that list.