The Recovery Plan for the Bathurst Copper Butterfly (Paralucia spinifera) 2001-2006
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
Environment Australia, June 2001
ISBN 0 7313 62829
Acknowledgments
The recovery effort for the Bathurst Copper Butterfly has been very much a cooperative exercise. The project has involved two local government Councils, five State Government agencies, two Commonwealth Government departments, community groups, industry, and landholders all working together to conserve this endangered species. The NPWS would like to thank the following people:
Allan Goodwin (Ranger NPWS) whose enthusiasm and dedicated efforts have driven the recovery program and the production of this plan, and for just doing things when they had to be done,
Ray Mjadwesch (MESS) for his specialist survey efforts and keen eye;
Susannah Power (NPWS) for engaging the community;
The community of Lithgow, who have wholeheartedly embraced the conservation of this species, including; Jen Radloff (Bellissimo Café), Eric Mahoney (LandCare), Di Geddes and Donna Quinn (Lithgow Primary School), John Smith (Zig Zag Primary School), Brad Radloff (Baal Bone Colliery), Russ May, Ian Rufus, Ron Grocott, Helen Drew, Rob Parker, Joyce Moffitt (dec.), and the children of Grades 5&6 Lithgow Primary School.
Natasha Funke and Natalie Knipler for voluntarily producing the Education Kit;
John Fry and volunteer teams from of Conservation Volunteers Australia (formerly Australian Trust for Conservation Volunteers);
Researchers from the University of New England, for providing valuable information on the ecology of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly and commenting on the draft recovery plan. These included Professor R. Kitching (now Griffith University), E. Dexter (now Environment Australia), E. Baker and A. McIntyre;
Don Sands (CSIRO, Indooripilly) for valuable comments on drafts;
Those involved in the recovery of Victoria's Eltham Copper Butterfly for contributing the benefits of their experience with Paralucia spp, including Beverly van Praagh, Tim New, and Alan Yen;
Barbara Cameron-Smith for the cover illustration;
Ann Jelinek (Australian Heritage Commission) for comment on the draft recovery plan and advice on conservation issues; and
Environment Australia Natural Heritage Trust program for the continued funding of the preparation of this recovery plan and implementation:
The Bathurst Copper Butterfly Recovery Team for guiding recovery efforts and assisting in the preparation of this plan. The Recovery Team comprises Arthur Henry (State Forests of NSW), John Guyver (Department of Land and Water Conservation), Patsy Moppett (Evans Shire Council), Ian Gordon (Lithgow City Council), Graham Larnarch (Central Tablelands Rural Lands Protection Board), Joyce Moffitt (dec.) (Landholder representative), Ian Pilley (Australian Defence Industries), Ann Jelinek (Environment Australia), and NPWS staff representing Blue Mountains Region, Central West Region and Central Directorate Conservation Programs and Planning Division ; and
The owners and managers of the twenty-nine sites of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly for their cooperation and assistance with the recovery effort.
Foreword
The conservation of threatened species, populations and ecological communities is crucial for the maintenance of this State's unique biodiversity. In NSW, the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) provides the framework to conserve and recover threatened species, populations and ecological communities through the preparation and implementation of recovery plans.
The preparation and implementation of recovery plans is identified by both the National Strategy for the Conservation of Australia's Biological Diversity and the NSW Biodiversity Strategy as a key strategy for the conservation of threatened flora, fauna and invertebrates. The object of a recovery plan is to document the management actions required to promote the recovery of a threatened species, population or ecological community and to ensure its ongoing viability in nature.
This plan describes our current understanding of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly (paralucia spinifera), documents the research and management actions undertaken to date, and identifies the actions required and parties responsible to ensure the ongoing management of the taxon in nature.
The Bathurst Copper Butterfly Recovery Plan was prepared with the assistance of a recovery team comprising relevant land management and research interests, and was placed on public exhibition during September and October 2000. I thank these people for their efforts to date and I look forward to their continued involvement in the implementation of recovery actions identified in this plan.
Signed by Bob Debus
BOB DEBUS MP
Minister for the Environment
Executive Summary
Introduction
The Bathurst Copper Butterfly, Paralucia spinifera, is only found between Bathurst and Hartley in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales. The Bathurst Copper Butterfly is restricted to elevations above 900 metres where it feeds on a form of Blackthorn, Bursaria spinosa subsp. lasiophylla. The Bathurst Copper Butterfly has a mutualistic relationship with a species of small black ant, Anonychomyrma itinerans, which protects the caterpillar from predation and host the pupae within their nest.
The Bathurst Copper Butterfly is known from a total of twenty-nine sites comprising less than thirty hectares of habitat. It is thought that native vegetation clearing has reduced the area of potential habitat to small isolated remnants. The small size of these remnants compounds the harm that the various threats to the species may have on the remaining sites. Current threats to the Bathurst Copper Butterfly include habitat loss or modification through clearing, spraying, grazing, fire, weed invasion and illegal collection. The butterfly has not been observed at six of the twenty-nine sites in recent years and may be in decline at others.
Conservation Status
The Bathurst Copper Butterfly is considered endangered in NSW and is listed on Schedule 1 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995(TSC Act). The Bathurst Copper Butterfly is also listed nationally as a vulnerable species under section 178 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
Legislative context
The TSC Actis NSW's legislative framework to protect and encourage the recovery of threatened species, populations and communities. Under the TSC Act,the Director-General of National Parks and Wildlife has certain responsibilities including the preparation of recovery plans for threatened species, populations and ecological communities. This Recovery Plan has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the TSC Act and the objectives of the EPBC Act.
Preparation of Plan
This Recovery Plan has been prepared with the assistance of a recovery team, a non-statutory group of interested parties with relevant expertise, established to discuss and resolve issues relating to the plan. Components within the plan do not necessarily represent the views nor the official positions of all the individuals or agencies represented on the recovery team. The information in this Recovery Plan was accurate to the best of the NPWS' knowledge on the date it was approved.
The plan will be reviewed and updated five years from the date of publication.
Implementation of Plan
The TSC Act requires that a government agency must not undertake actions inconsistent with an approved recovery plan. The government agencies relevant to this plan are the NPWS, State Forests of NSW, Rural Lands Protection Board, Department of Land and Water Conservation, and Local Government areas administered by the Councils of Evans Shire and the Lithgow City. Consequently, agencies who manage lands containing habitat of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly, must, as the relevant land manager, manage the sites and habitat within those lands in accordance with this plan. Relevant land management issues include weed control, clearing, grazing, fire management and recreational use.
The TSC Act amendments to the environmental assessment provisions of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP and A Act) requires that consent and determining authorities consider relevant recovery plans when exercising a decision making function under Parts 4 and 5 of the EP and A Act. Similarly, the EPBC Act (Comm) includes provisions relating to activities that affect species listed under the EPBC Act.
Overall recovery objective
The recovery program for the Bathurst Copper Butterfly aims to stabilise the population through the prevention of threatening processes, then to increase the in situ population through habitat management, with the aim of downlisting the species to vulnerable. The recovery plan constitutes the first five-year stage of the long-term recovery program.
The overall objective of this recovery plan is to stabilise the Bathurst Copper Butterfly's status as an endangered species pursuant to the provisions of the TSC Act. Recovery relates specifically to the prevention of the decline in the number of sub-populations and individuals of Bathurst Copper Butterfly extant in the wild, by protecting sub-populations from threats.
Overall recovery performance criteria
The overall performance criteria of the recovery plan is that the number of sub-populations and individuals of Bathurst Copper Butterfly extant in the wild does not decrease and fluctuations in population parameters over five years occur in accordance with knowledge of the species' ecology.
Species Ability to Recover
The species' ability to recover is limited by the available habitat. The Bathurst Copper Butterfly's small size, and weak erratic flight, results in a low dispersal capability. Only by actively managing the identified threats can the decline in the species be controlled.
Recovery Actions
The recovery plan includes twenty recovery actions which aim to meet the overall objective.
These actions are based on the following aims:
- to identify and prevent the continuation of processes, such as habitat removal, weed incursion, alteration of fire regimes, and vehicular access to habitat, that threaten the Bathurst Copper Butterfly;
- to inform and educate the community of the significance of the species through the production of information sheets, newsletters and media releases, and involve the community in recovery actions to enable participation in the conservation effort for the Bathurst Copper Butterfly; and
- to gain a thorough understanding of the distribution, population dynamics, and ecology of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly through the encouragement of appropriate research and the assessment of potential and known sites.
Estimated Cost of Recovery
A summary of the funds required to implement this recovery plan is identified below. This recovery plan will be implemented over a five-year period. Note that many actions constitute minor amendment to existing responsibilities or actions carried out by relevant government authorities, hence have not been assigned costs in this recovery plan. Average implementation cost per year will be approximately $45,380.
|
Action |
Description |
Funds required ($) |
| 10 | Threat Abatement | |
| 10.3.1 |
Assessment of threats a. |
22000 |
| 10.3.2 | Clearing prevention and impact assessment |
5000 |
| 10.3.3 | Weed management. |
80500 |
| 10.3.4 | Habitat corridors |
3000 |
|
10.3.5 |
Illegal collection monitoring a. |
0 |
| 10.3.6 | Vehicular access |
4600 |
| 10.3.7 | Dust management / Road maintenance |
0 |
| 10.3.8 | Fire management |
0 |
|
10.3.9 |
Grazing management a |
2000 |
| 10.3.10 |
Feral animal management |
2500 |
| 10.3.11 |
Dead timber removal/ Firewood collection a |
0 |
| 11 | Community education and awareness. | |
| 11.3.1 |
Inform & educate the broader community a |
5100 |
| 11.3.2 |
Inform and involve affected landholders ab |
48000 |
| 11.3.3 |
Inform and educate local and State government agencies a |
700 |
| 11.3.4 | Inform and involve amateur lepidopterists |
0 |
| 12 | Research and monitoring | |
| 12.3.1 | Record extant sites |
3500 |
| 12.3.2 |
Monitoring b |
31000 |
| 12.3.3 |
Identify and assess potential habitat |
8000 |
| 12.3.4 | Research |
6000 |
| 13 | Reservation/conservation | |
| 13.3.1 | Increase legislative protection |
5000 |
|
TOTAL |
|
226900 |
a concordant components of activities have been combined under 10.3.1
b funding subject to budgetary allocation or grants
Biodiversity Benefits
Butterflies are without doubt the most studied and best understood of the insects. Butterflies are the insects which also enjoy the strongest community appreciation and support.
From this understanding and community support it is only natural that butterflies have become the flagship species for the conservation of endangered insects. The Bathurst Copper Butterfly represents this change in community perception regarding the conservation of our biodiversity. It was the first invertebrate to be classified as an endangered species in NSW. It is also the only butterfly nationally listed as a vulnerable species under the Commonwealths' Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
The vegetation that provides habitat for the Bathurst Copper Butterfly was previously much more widespread. In conserving this habitat, there are significant flow-on biodiversity benefits by the resultant conservation of this vegetation community.
Signed by Brian Gilligan
BRIAN GILLIGAN
Director-General
Abbreviations
| ATCV |
Australian Trust for Conservation Volunteers |
| D/C |
Authorities determining & consent authorities under the EP and A Act |
| DLWC |
Department of Land and Water Conservation |
| EA |
Environment Australia |
| EP and A Act |
Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 |
| ESC |
Evans Shire Council |
| GIS |
geographic information systems |
| km |
kilometre |
| LCC |
Lithgow City Council |
| LGA |
Local Government Area |
| m | metre |
| mm |
millimetre |
| NHT |
Natural Heritage Trust |
| NPWS |
National Parks and Wildlife Service |
| NSW |
New South Wales |
| RFS |
Rural Fire Service |
| RLPB |
Rural Lands Protection Board |
| SIS |
species impact statement |
| spp |
species (plural) |
| subsp. |
subspecies |
| TSC Act |
Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 |
| TSP |
Threatened Species Program |
| UMCC |
Upper Macquarie County Council |
| UNE |
University of New England |
1 Introduction
The Bathurst Copper Butterfly, Paralucia spinifera, is one of Australia's rarest butterfly species (Dunn et al. 1994; Kitching and Baker 1990), and is only found between Bathurst and Hartley in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales. The Bathurst Copper Butterfly is restricted to elevations above 900 metres where it feeds exclusively on a form of Blackthorn, Bursaria spinosa subsp. lasiophylla. The Bathurst Copper Butterfly has a mutualistic relationship with a species of small black ant, Anonychomyrma itinerans, which protect the caterpillar from predation and host the pupae within their nest.
The Bathurst Copper Butterfly is known from a total of twenty-nine sites comprising less than thirty hectares of habitat, which makes it vulnerable to the operation of threatening processes. Native vegetation clearing is likely to have resulted in the reduction of the area of potential habitat to small isolated remnants. The small size of these remnants increases the risk of loss of one or more of the sites, as they are more susceptible to detrimental stoichastic events. Current threats to the Bathurst Copper Butterfly include clearing and development, weed invasion, grazing, and changes in fire regimes. The butterfly has not been found at six of the twenty-nine sites in recent years and may be decline at others. This decline may however be matched by an increase in population size at sites that have had an increase in suitability.
This Recovery Plan describes the current understanding of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly, documents the research and management actions undertaken to date, and identifies the parties responsible for the actions required to ensure the ongoing viability of the taxon in the wild.
2 Legislative context
- 2.1 Legal status
- 2.2 Recovery plan preparation
- 2.3 Recovery plan implementation
- 2.4 Critical habitat
- 2.5 Environmental assessment
2.1 Legal status
The Bathurst Copper Butterfly is considered endangered in NSW and is listed on Schedule 1 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. (TSC Act)
The Bathurst Copper Butterfly is also listed nationally as a vulnerable species under section 178 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
2.2 Recovery plan preparation
The TSC Act requires that the Director-General of National Parks and Wildlife prepare recovery plans for all species, populations and ecological communities listed as endangered or vulnerable on the TSC Act schedules. The TSC Act includes specific requirements for both the matters to be addressed by recovery plans and the process for preparing recovery plans. This Recovery Plan has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the TSC Act and the objectives of the EPBC Act (Comm.)
2.3 Recovery plan implementation
The TSC Act requires that a government agency must not undertake actions inconsistent with an approved recovery plan. The government agencies relevant to this plan are the NPWS, State Forests of NSW, Rural Lands Protection Board, Department of Land and Water Conservation, and Local Government Areas administered by the Councils of Evans Shire and Lithgow City.
Consequently, public authorities who manage lands containing habitat of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly, must as the relevant land manager, manage the sites and habitat, in accordance with this plan. Relevant land management issues include weed control, clearing, grazing, fire management and environmental assessment.
2.4 Critical habitat
The TSC Act makes provision for the identification and declaration of critical habitat for species, populations and ecological communities listed as endangered. The declaration of critical habitat allows for increased protection of threatened species habitat. A species impact statement must be prepared for all developments and activities that affect declared critical habitat.
Critical habitat has not been declared for this species. The Recovery Team for the Bathurst Copper Butterfly have determined that for the majority of sites, adequate habitat protection is afforded under existing legislation. Alternative options, including Voluntary Conservation Agreements, are considered more effective protection measures.
2.5 Environmental assessment
The TSC Act amendments to the environmental assessment provisions of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP and A Act) require that consent and determining authorities and the Director General of the NPWS, as a concurrence authority, consider relevant recovery plans when exercising a decision making function under Parts 4 & 5 of the EP and A Act. Decision makers must consider known and potential habitat, biological and ecological factors, and regional significance of individual sites.
Similarly, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) (Comm) includes provisions relating to activities by the Commonwealth or on Commonwealth land that affect species listed under the EPBC Act.
Appendix 1 - Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines, provides guidance for consent and determining authorities in the assessment of the effect of activities and developments on the Bathurst Copper Butterfly or its habitat.
3 Conservation Status
The Bathurst Copper Butterfly was discovered in October 1964 by two CSIRO entomologists, Ian Common and Murray Upton. A single specimen of a female was collected near the village of Yetholme approximately 20 kilometres east of Bathurst. The specimen was subsequently lodged with the Australian National Insect Collection in Canberra and was noted as a previously unknown species of Paralucia by Don Sands.
Following a number of searches the species was rediscovered by Ted Edwards of the CSIRO on 25 October 1977. It was finally described as a new species, Paralucia spinifera, in November 1978 (Edwards and Common 1978).
The Bathurst Copper Butterfly, Paralucia spinifera, has been located at a total of twenty-nine sites since its discovery in 1964. In total these sites constitute less than thirty hectares of known habitat. Clearing of native vegetation over the past century has reduced the area of known and potential habitat to small isolated remnants. The small size of these remnants potentially allows the threats that continue to operate against the species to have a significant impact on remaining sites. Extant threats include clearing, spraying, grazing, fire and weeds. Collection of the butterfly by enthusiasts is suggested to have contributed to significant adult number declines within at least two sites (Dexter and Kitching 1991b), however, population fluctuations associated with site habitat conditions may also have significantly contributed to such declines.
A report on the conservation status of Australian butterflies (Dunn et al. 1994) identified the Bathurst Copper Butterflyas one of the nation's rarest. Rarity does not necessarily equate to conservation significance, unless it is combined with threatening processes, as occurs for the Bathurst Copper Butterfly.
The Scientific Committee identified that the limited distribution, habitat degradation and over-collection of specimens warranted the identification of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly as a species endangered with extinction.
Accordingly, the Bathurst Copper Butterfly is considered endangered in NSW and is currently the only butterfly listed on Schedule 1 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995(TSC Act). The species is also recognised nationally and is listed as vulnerable under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
4 Description
The Bathurst Copper Butterfly is a small species with a wingspan of approximately 20 millimetres. The male is black above with central areas of the wings shining purple and fringes checkered black and white (Figure 1). The female is black or deep brown above, with central area suffused with bronze, sometimes with basal area of the wings a deep shining purple or blue, and with fringes checkered black and white. The bronze, blue and purple suffusions are variable and most prominent when sunning. The male has more pointed wings than the female (E.D. Edwards pers. comm.). The lower surface of the wings are patterned with subtle brown, black and grey on both male and female (Figure 2). Kitching & Baker (1990) and Braby (2000) contain more complete descriptions of the species.
The genus Paralucia is endemic to Australia and contains three species, P. spinifera, P. aurifera and P. pyrodiscus. The two congeners, P. aurifera and P. pyrodiscus, have wide distributions extending from Southern Queensland through Victoria. Paralucia aurifera has been identified cohabiting several sites with the Bathurst Copper including sites L2 and L6. The Bathurst Copper Butterfly is distinguished from the two other species of Paralucia by the size, shape and colour of the wings, and also by a spine that extends over a joint in the fore legs in both sexes. The specific name of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly, spinifera, is derived from the presence of this spine.
The larva's head is hidden, its grey body has brown dorsal and subdorsal lines, and are approximately 14mm in length. The larvae have prominent eversible organs which are thought to secrete a liquid attractive to the attendant ant.
A full description of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly is to be found in Edwards and Common (1978). Key reference material and collections of specimens are lodged in State museums and in the Australian National Insect Collection, Canberra.
Figure 1 Bathurst Copper Butterfly dorsal surface
Figure 2 Bathurst Copper Butterfly ventral surface
5 Distribution and habitat
- 5.1 Current and historical distribution
- 5.2 Tenure
- 5.3 Climate
- 5.4 Landscape and topography
- 5.5 Vegetation
5.1 Current and historical distribution
Since its discovery in 1964, surveys of potential habitat have extended the Bathurst Copper Butterfly's known distribution from the village of Yetholme, on the Great Dividing Range, to that area of the Central Tablelands of NSW between Oberon, Hartley and Bathurst. All of the known sites occur within the Evans Shire and Lithgow City Local Government Areas. Figure 3 shows the distribution of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly.
The distribution of the butterfly is specifically limited by elevation. All sites where the butterfly has been located are above 900 metres elevation. Its host plant, native Blackthorn, Bursaria spinosa subsp. lasiophylla, is an altitudinal variant of the widespread and common species (Cayzer in press) and is generally only found above 900 metres. Although the attendant ant, Anonychomyrma itinerans, has a wider distribution than the butterfly, it too is restricted to regions above 900 metres in altitude (Dexter & Kitching 1991b). Given the reliance on elevation of both the host plant and attendant ant, the distribution of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly would always have been restricted by the distribution of these associated species. The distribution of the species may have been significantly reduced, the present distribution now representing refuges resulting from climate changes (Dexter & Kitching 1991a.). Additionally, there may be other biotic factors dictating the distribution of the species, as some potential habitat may contain both the host plant and the attendant ant, but not the Bathurst Copper Butterfly.
The distribution of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly may yet be extended through additional survey of potential habitat identified through habitat modelling. The habitat requirements and altitude constraints of the species has largely driven the survey effort to date. East of Lithgow the sandstone complex support a much higher density and diversity of understorey shrubs that largely preclude the host native Blackthorn. The most significant areas of potential habitat remain south of Oberon and assessment of these is a priority action of this plan.
Figure 3 - Distribution of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly
5.2 Tenure
Of the twenty-nine known Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites, fourteen are located on privately owned lands. Two sites are located on Commonwealth lands under the control of Australian Defence Industries and the remaining thirteen sites are located on land managed by local and State government agencies:
- Lithgow City Council manage lands containing three known Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites (L2, L3 ,L10);
- Evans Shire Council manage lands containing four known Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites (B3, B8, B9, B13);
- The Department of Land and Water Conservation are responsible for a Reserve for Public Recreation (the day to day management of which is vested in a local trust) containing a site of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly (site B7);
- State Forests of NSW manage two Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites (B9 and L7), one of which (B9) is subject to an Occupation Permit;
- the Rural Lands Protection Board manage a Travelling Stock Reserve with one site of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly (02); and
- the NPWS manages two sites of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly within Winburndale Nature Reserve (B10, B11).
5.3 Climate
The Central Tablelands experience a temperate climate characterised by warm summers and cool winters. Rainfall is highly variable however peaks occur during spring and summer months when heavy falls can be experienced with thunderstorms. Monthly averages are illustrated in Figure 4. Average annual rainfall recorded at Sunny Corner is 927 mm.
(Bureau of Meteorology and Department of Primary Industries Queensland, 1994)
Figure 4 - Rainfall Summary
The automatic weather station at Lithgow most accurately represents climate across the range of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly. Summer mean daily temperatures for Lithgow range from 10º to 25º and winter temperatures from 1º to 12º (see Fig. 6). The hottest month is January and the coldest month is July. Frosts usually occur from mid-April to mid-October and can be heavy at times. Light to heavy snow falls may also occur during winter, although they seldom remain on the ground longer than a few days.
(Data supplied by the Bureau of Meteorology, 1998)
Figure 5 - Temperature Summary
Strong north westerly winds are mostly experienced during late spring to mid summer (October, November, December). Temperatures and winds tend to moderate with the onset of autumn.
5.4 Landscape and topography
All the Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites are located above 900 metres elevation. The topographic position and orientation varies considerably between the butterfly sites. Some sites occur on the crest of the tablelands where they are exposed to regular winter snow events. Other sites occur on foothills and valley floors where cold air drainage patterns result in regular severe frosts. A commonality between sites is that they are subjected to extremes of cold.
Another common factor between habitat at sites is the exposure of Bursaria spinosa ssp lasiophylla to direct sunlight for a large portion of the day, due to orientation and / or canopy openness. The majority of sites have a westerly to northerly aspect. Sites located on south facing slopes are generally high enough and flat enough to ensure that they also receive full sun.
There does not appear to be any consistency in the geology of the various sites. Sites are located on sandy soils with granite outcropping, basalt derived soils, and east of Lithgow on coal measures and some sandstone soils.
5.5 Vegetation
The vegetation across the range of Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites varies according to the geology and derived soils. In particular the dominant canopy species vary considerably. The vegetation structure is typically an open woodland although open forests occur at butterfly sites on the basaltic soils around Yetholme.
A detailed vegetation survey of Bathurst Copper Butterfly habitats was carried out in March 1999 (Porteners 1999). A total of 181 plant taxa were recorded during the survey from the 10 sample sites. A high proportion of the recorded species (32 species or 18%) were exotic. The most common families represented were Asteraceae (26 species, 35% exotic), Poaceae (18 species, 28% exotic), Fabaceae-Faboideae (15 species, 20% exotic) and Myrtaceae (14 species, none exotic).
The Native Blackthorn species common to all sites was identified as Bursaria lasiophylla var. atriplicina. This identification is based on currently accepted taxonomy and not that proposed by Cayzer (In Press). Several other native species are also predominant in all sites including Lomandra filiformis subsp. filiformis (Wattle Mat-Rush), Poa sieberiana var. sieberiana (Snowgrass) and Joycea pallida (Silvertop Wallaby Grass). The sites generally show a high proportion of weed species, the most common being Crepis capillaris (Smooth Hawksbeard), Hypochaeris glabra (Smooth Catsear), Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) and Rubus fruticosus (Blackberry species-aggregate).
Structurally the vegetation generally has a sparse to moderately dense tree canopy component, with a grassy and sparsely shrubby understorey. The two-layered understorey comprises tall shrubs (including the Native Blackthorn) in the higher stratum and tussock grasses and scattered low shrubs in the lower stratum. There is usually a groundcover of mixed low grasses and herbaceous species, occasionally including Native Blackthorn seedlings.
Bathurst Copper Butterfly require a vegetation structure that is exposed to all-day sun. A commonality between all known sites is an aspect and open vegetation that allows a high level of solar radiation. Almost all sites are associated with significant levels of disturbance such as mining, roadways or frequent fire that have resulted in an open vegetation structure and an understorey dominated, or well represented, by Blackthorn. Fire is likely to have contributed to maintaining this open habitat at many sites.
6 Ecology
6.1 Life History
The butterfly emerge from pupation at different times of the year at different sites, appearing earlier at low elevation sites and persisting later at higher elevation sites. The butterfly begin to emerge at some sites from early August and are on the wing until at least early November. Even at sites in the same general area there appears to be early or late activity probably influenced by site variables such as the aspect of the site. For most sites there appears to be a peak of activity for a couple of weeks during September.
Adult males fly rapidly at about one metre from the ground and rest with wings parted in sites exposed to full sun. Females fly less rapidly and tend to stay closer to the host plant (Edwards & Common 1978). The butterfly generally remain in the vicinity of the host Blackthorn, and are rarely observed beyond 10 metres of the habitat.
After mating, the female oviposits (lays eggs) on Blackthorn bushes that are associated with the ant Anonychomyrma itinerans. Eggs are laid either singly, or in groups up to five, on leaves towards the base of the host plant or on adjacent debris (Dexter & Kitching 1991a.). The eggs take approximately 14 to 17 days to hatch. It has been observed that the attendant ants constantly patrol the Blackthorn during this phase, presumably searching out newly hatched larvae (Dunn et al. 1994).
Butterfly larvae moult their cuticle as they grow with the stages between each moult termed instars. For the Bathurst Copper Butterfly there can be as many as eight instars within the six to eight week larval period (Dunn et al. 1994). On hatching, first instar larvae are attended by a single ant of A. itinerans. The larvae are diurnal until the fourth instar at which stage both the larvae and attendant ant become nocturnal (Dexter & Kitching 1991a). The larvae graze on the host plant Bursaria spinosa subsp. lasiophylla. As the larvae will not traverse open ground to reach the host plant, closely spaced B. spinosa subsp. lasiophylla with intertwining branchlets offer the best habitat for grazing larvae.
Pupation occurs from December through to late February and is known to take place in the ant's nest at the base of the host plant (Dunn et al. 1994). The pupae remain in the ant's nest until the following spring.
6.2 Population Structure
For most of the year the population consists of immature stages of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly. For a few short weeks between September and October, adult butterfly are also present. All stages are subject to natural mortality and for immature stages this is probably in the order of 70 % or higher (Dr D. Sands pers. comm.).
The concept of metapopulations has been applied to the Bathurst Copper Butterfly in the Lithgow Valley area (Dexter & Kitching 1991a). This concept describes a species existing as a 'population of populations' where numerous small areas of habitat are occupied, and where a natural pattern of extinctions and colonisation of habitat occur (Levins 1970; Harrison et al 1988 in: New 1997). If metapopulations apply to the Bathurst Copper Butterfly then the recent lack of adult butterfly that has been recorded at six of the twenty-nine sites may be a stage of a natural cycle. As the species exists as immature stages for most of the year, natural mortality (eg. from parasitoids) during these stages may exceed 70%, hence local extinctions and recolonisations are expected (D Sands pers. comm.). It is likely, however, that declines in populations and resultant local extinctions are reinforced by the continued fragmentation of habitat. Recolonisation becomes increasingly difficult as areas of habitat become smaller and more disjunct.
For many sites the fragmentation of habitat has occurred to such an extent that each sub-population may be considered closed, however, genetic analysis is required to establish the degree of separation.
There has been no systematic monitoring of Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites. Assessments at sites L1 and L2 indicated adult counts of 2,800 and 4,500 over one particular flight season (Dexter & Kitching 1991a). In recent seasons only a handful of butterfly have been observed at L1. For Bathurst Copper Butterflies massive swings occur in local adult numbers, for some years they may not be detected then they re-appear, sometimes with large adult densities (Dr D. Sands pers. comm.). The lack of systematic population monitoring coupled with these population dynamics make it very difficult to determine true trends.
6.3 Attendant Ant
The butterfly has a mutualistic relationship with the ant Anonychomyrma itinerans. Larvae of the Bathurst Copper Butterflyare tended by the ants and protected from predators. In return the ants receive nutritional secretions from the larvae (Dexter & Kitching 1991a). The significance of this relationship appears to be critical to the persistence of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly in the wild although this has not been conclusively demonstrated. Ant surveys of known butterfly sites, have shown that the Bathurst Copper Butterfly does not utilise host plants within or adjacent to the colony, where the ant is absent. A significant decline in adult numbers at one butterfly site, over seasons 1989 to 1991, has also been linked to the absence or disappearance of A. itinerans (Dexter & Kitching 1991a).
Ant surveys identified a number of other species that may be important to the life cycle of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly. These included Iridomyrex sp.1,2,3, I. purpureus, I. rufoniger group 1 and 2, and Ochetellus sp (Dexter & Kitching 1991b).The taxonomy of A. itinerans is also in need of review (Dr S. Shattock CSIRO Division of Entomology pers. comm. 21/8/97) due to variety in the profile of the thorax possibly indicating a number of distinct species.
The known Bathurst Copper Butterflysites have not been surveyed to determine the presence or absence or the extent of ant species present. A. itinerans has not been recorded at one significant site (B10) which continues to support healthy adult numbers of the butterfly (J. Moffitt pers. comm). A. itinerans is rarely obvious at the majority of sites even when the butterfly is active. However, the absence of records of ant species is most likely a result of lack of survey rather than the absence of ants from these sites.
Similarly, the presence of other ant species that may be involved in the ecology of the Bathurst Copper has not been established or assessed.
6.4 Host Plant
The larval food plant of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly is native Blackthorn, Bursaria spinosa subsp. lasiophylla. Spindly, spinescent and generally multi-stemmed, the shrub grows to five metres tall but rarely exceeds two metres within the range of the butterfly (Figure 6).
The taxonomy of this endemic Australian genus has recently been reviewed (Cayzer in press) with this taxon being described as an altitudinal variant of the more common and widespread B. spinosa subsp. spinosa. B. spinosa subsp. lasiophylla is quite distinct in the lower surface of the leaves being hoary, with minute matted hairs, rather than glabrous.
Despite the occurrence of intergrading stands of B. spinosa subsp. spinosa adjacent to B. spinosa subsp. lasiophylla the Bathurst Copper Butterfly has not been recorded to graze on B. spinosa subsp. spinosa.
All taxa in Bursaria are vigorously rhizomatous (Cayzer in press) and stands of shoots within a five metre radius are commonly a single genetic individual. The rhizome allows the shrub to respond favourably to disturbance including clearing, herbicide application, and fire. The general resilience of the species has led to it being considered a weed, particularly on agricultural lands. It is an aggressive coloniser of marginal and disturbed sites (Cayzer in press) and is routinely found in road verges, mining areas and within the ecocline where agricultural clearing meets the base of steep escarpment lands.
Within the known habitat of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly the Blackthorn is often found in a suppressed or juvenile form. The larvae of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly commonly graze the Blackthorn to a stage where the shoots die and the shrub resprouts from the base or main stems. It is unclear whether the grazing results in the bush being maintained in a dwarf habit, with younger, and presumably more palatable foliage, or whether the habit is the result of other factors. The density and spatial arrangement of the Blackthorn appears to largely determine the number of adults (Common & Waterhouse 1981; Dexter & Kitching 1991a), with closely spaced individuals with intertwining branchlets thought to provide the most accessible grazing for larvae.
Figure 6 - Blackthorn flowering
7 Previous management actions
- 7.1 Bathurst Copper Butterfly Recovery Team
- 7.2 Survey of Potential Habitat
- 7.3 Weed Control
- 7.4 Research
- 7.5 Information Brochure
- 7.6 Newsletter
- 7.7 Site Descriptions
- 7.8 Vegetation Survey
- 7.9 Captive Breeding
7.1 Bathurst Copper Butterfly Recovery Team
A recovery team was formed in 1997 to coordinate recovery efforts and guide the preparation of a recovery plan. The team comprises stakeholder representatives including NPWS, State Forests of NSW, Rural Lands Protection Board, Department of Land and Water Conservation, Local Government, industry, and land holders. Expertise in the ecology of lycaenid butterflies is provided by involvement of Environment Australia representatives and CSIRO entomologists in Canberra and Queensland.
7.2 Survey of Potential Habitat
Between 1989 and 1992, researchers from the University of New England (UNE), along with a private landholder, actively surveyed potential habitat of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly. Several new sites were subsequently located away from the type locality at Yetholme, taking the total number of sites recorded at that time to twelve.
During 1997 and 1998, further survey of potential habitat was undertaken by the NPWS and volunteers under Threatened Species Program (TSP) funding. A total of seventeen new sites were located, significantly extending the range of the species as well as the number of known sites.
Potential habitat was identified using aerial photo and map interpretation. Sites were predicted on the basis of remnant vegetation, elevation and aspect. The proximity of Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites was also considered. Potential habitat was then surveyed remotely from road or air to confirm the occurrence of the host plant.
Where reasonable areas of Blackthorn were observed, a ground survey of the area was organised. Information on the Bathurst Copper Butterfly, and the associated recovery efforts, were supplied to the landowners. The majority of owners and land managers have been happy to assist in the survey effort and local knowledge on occurrence of Blackthorn has led to the location of several significant sites.
NPWS staff from the Spatial Systems Unit in the GIS Division are establishing a database to cover the Bathurst, Katoomba, Oberon and Lithgow 1:100,000 map sheets. This database includes remnant vegetation, solar radiation, topographic position, elevation and moisture data, and has the potential to be used to model Blackthorn distribution and hopefully predict butterfly habitat. Such modelling can provide the basis for identifying areas for future surveying.
7.3 Weed Control
Weed control was carried out at two butterfly sites (B9, B10) in May 1997 by the Australian Trust for Conservation Volunteers (ATCV) and spray contractors funded jointly by the NPWS and the Department of Agriculture. The project involved bush regeneration techniques within and adjacent (10 metre buffer) to butterfly sites as well as control of weeds by conventional spraying away from the habitat. This program targeted blackberry, Rubus fruiticosis, within Winburndale Nature Reserve and broome, Cytisus scoparius, and pine wildings, Pinus radiata, within Sunny Corner State Forest.
In April 1998 the NPWS engaged the ATCV for follow up work on the Nature Reserve and State Forest sites as well as initial control work within a third site (L5) on private land where blackberry was treated. In October 1998 initial control works were undertaken at two new sites (02, 03) on a Travelling Stock Reserve and private property.
During April 1999 bush regeneration continued at sites B9, B10 and was initiated at sites B3, B7 and B13.
In 2000, weed control works were commenced on lands in the Hermitage Flat and Pottery Estate areas of Lithgow. Much of this work was bush regeneration undertaken bt Conservation Volunteers Australia, Department of Land and Water Conservation, Baal Bone Colliery. Australian Defence Industries at Lithgow also continued weed control works on their lands.
7.4 Research
A number of research programs on the microhabitat, behaviour and requirements of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly has been undertaken to date. These include:
- Preliminary laboratory studies have shown that larvae without ants remain on the bush permanently while larvae with ants return to the base of the plant during daylight hours. Larvae reared without ants were also considerably smaller than larvae reared with ants (Dexter & Kitching unpub.)
- A genetic study was conducted on the various Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites in 1992. The study sampled butterflies at various sites at the extent of the known range and found that the heterogeneity within sites was high but that the individual sites were closely related (Dexter & Kitching unpub.). This indicated either some movement of butterfly between sites, or that the time since separation and isolation of the various colonies is relatively recent (E. Dexter pers. comm.).
- Microhabitat requirements and population dynamics of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly were the subject of research by the Department of Ecosystem Management, University of New England, (UNE) between 1988 and 1992. The research was conducted over the majority of sites known at that time and included mark - recapture data (Dexter & Kitching unpub.).
- Habitat prediction using Bioclim modeling was applied to the Bathurst Copper Butterfly in 1992. Sites of similar climate and topography were identified as the Barrington Tops and areas of the Southern Highlands (E. Dexter pers. comm.)
7.5 Information Brochure
An information brochure on the Bathurst Copper Butterfly has been produced by the NPWS. The brochure provides a description of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly as well details on the ecology, habitat and threats facing the species. The brochure has been used to inform the owners and managers of Bathurst Copper Butterfly habitat of the significance of the butterfly.
7.6 Newsletter
The first issue of the annual Bathurst Copper Butterfly Newsletter was produced by the NPWS in 1998. The newsletter has been produced for owners and managers of Bathurst Copper Butterfly habitat and others involved in the recovery effort. The aim of the newsletter is to keep individuals informed and involved with the various recovery efforts.
7.7 Site Descriptions
Each confirmed site of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly has been described and documented in the format described in Appendix 2. Aerial photographs of each site have been produced at 1:2,500 scale. The aerial photographs are marked with the areas of potential habitat and location of butterfly activity, to provide a record of each site. The sites have also been marked on the relevant 1:25,000 scale topographic maps.
Site information including location, elevation, aspect, slope and area have been recorded. Contact details for owners or managers are listed and an assessment of immediate management requirements has been made in relation to threatening processes such as grazing, fire, and weeds.
The site descriptions are used to identify threats, develop conservation strategies to manage habitat and to monitor changes over time.
7.8 Vegetation Survey
Ten sites of known Bathurst Copper Butterfly habitat were sampled in late March 1999 (Porteners 1999). The sites were selected as representative of the range of habitats from which the butterfly has been positively recorded. Sampling procedures followed the standards set by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service as well as the National Herbarium of NSW. All vascular plant species were recorded within 20 5 20 metre quadrats, and assigned a cover abundance rating. Vegetation structure was described by measuring the height and canopy cover of the dominant species in each stratum. Plant specimens collected during the survey are held at the National Parks and Wildlife Service (Bathurst Sub District office).
7.9 Captive Breeding
Bathurst Copper Butterfly have been successfully reared through eight successive generations in a captive situation. A lepidopterist from the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Bill Graham, conducted the trial between 1981 and 1990. The program was achieved without ants and utilised the Native Blackthorn variety naturally occurring in the ACT.
Approximately four adult males and females were introduced to a small enclosure containing Blackthorn and placed in sunlight. Within half a day each of the females had successfully mated and subsequently produced between fifty and sixty eggs over a two to three day interval. Pupae were observed to be particularly delicate and were held in ice cream containers containing 75 to 100 millimetres of moist potting mix. The pupae were half buried in this mix and then covered with the leaf of a passionfruit to prevent desiccation. The leaf was replaced as required and approximately seven months later almost one hundred per cent of the butterfly successfully emerged (W. Graham pers. comm.).
8 Management Issues
- 8.1 Level of Understanding
- 8.2 Threatening Processes
- 8.3 Community awareness and involvement
- 8.4 Translocation
- 8.5 Consideration of Social and economic consequences
- 8.6 Biodiversity benefits
- 8.7 Ability to recover
The management of a threatened species requires the development of a 'recovery program' which considers (i) the biological and ecological aspects of the species; (ii) the social, political and organisational parameters that may affect the success or otherwise of the program; and (iii) the economic factors which may influence the operation of the program's implementation.
As such, this section identifies the management issues affecting the Bathurst Copper Butterfly including:
- limits of our current understanding of the taxon's biology and ecology;
- threats and reasons for decline; and
- social and economic factors which may influence the success of the recovery program.
As the sites primarily occur outside of conservation reserves, and, as there are a number of threats acting at known sites, further effects are likely if current management practices continue unmanaged. An increase in the level of reservation status, or through other legislative provisions relating to land use or encumbrances on titles can be used to maximise the protection and security of sites. Threat abatement actions should occur for all sites, prioritised on the basis of their function in metapopulation dynamics.
8.1 Level of Understanding
As the Bathurst Copper Butterfly was only described recently (1978), there is limited knowledge of its ecology and ecology. Significant information gaps lie in the areas of population dynamics, habitat requirements, nature of relationship with and ecology of the attendant ant (Anonychomyrma itinerans), and fire ecology.
Continued monitoring of population parameters is required to assess the effectiveness of the recovery actions and to provide a data source for the review of the Recovery Plan and recovery actions.
8.2 Threatening Processes
Over the last one hundred and fifty years the native vegetation of the Central Tablelands has been extensively cleared for sheep and cattle grazing and more recently for the cultivation of Radiata Pine (Pinus radiata). Remnant native vegetation is generally restricted to road verges, Crown lands, and small areas under private ownership. The remnant habitat available to the Bathurst Copper Butterfly exists as a series of disjunct and often quite small sites (<0.5ha). The continued clearing and disturbance of remnant vegetation are the most serious threats to the Bathurst Copper Butterfly.
Legislative protection of Bathurst Copper Butterfly habitat is available under both the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974(NPW Act) and the Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997(NVC Act). While this legislation is effective, the key to the recovery effort is an informed and supportive community.
Community awareness and involvement in the recovery effort is a priority of this recovery plan. A range of media have been produced, or are proposed in this plan, to increase awareness of Blackthorn as an endangered species habitat. This awareness in landholders, managers and the general community will help ensure that clearing of Blackthorn does not continue.
8.2.2 Habitat modification and disturbance
In addition to the loss of habitat through clearing operations, a range of threatening processes continue to degrade remnant areas making them unsuitable for the Bathurst Copper Butterfly. These factors are discussed below.
Weed invasion has been identified as a threat to the Bathurst Copper Butterfly at ten of the twenty-nine sites. Weeds including Broome (Cytisus scoparius)and Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) compete with the host Blackthorn and at some sites threaten to exclude the butterfly. Radiata Pine (Pinus radiata) wildings are also a problem at some sites where they threaten to shade out the habitat. Other lesser weeds include Hawthorn (Crataegus spp), Sweet Briar (Rosa rubiginosa)andCotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp).The weeds species not only compete with the host Blackthorn but also the range of shrubs that the butterfly utilises while on the wing.
Conversely, some weeds may be beneficial, providing a source of nectar. The Bathurst Copper Butterfly has been observed flying approximately thirty metres across a sealed roadway to utilise flowers of white clover (Trifolium repens), and feeding on Broome flowers.
8.2.2.2 Vehicular access and recreational vehicle use
Recreational use by trail bikes, mountain bikes and four wheel drives is impacting on a number of sites including sites B9, L2, and L6. Significant erosion of unformed trails within butterfly habitat is causing damage to host plants as well as associated ant colonies.
At two butterfly sites (B3 and B9), dust from road traffic is believed to be affecting the butterfly. Host plants adjacent to the roadway are coated with a thick film of dust during the drier spring and summer months that the larvae are active. Despite butterflies being observed on the road verge Blackthorn, no grazing is evident, and it is believed that the plants are not being utilised. The dust film is likely to affect the edibility or at least palatability of the Blackthorn. The distribution of the sites along the road verge and the amount of Blackthorn involved make the dust factor at these particular sites a significant management issue.
There is evidence to suggest that the Bathurst Copper Butterfly habitat is adapted to the occurrence of fire events, and that it may play an important role in habitat maintenance. Sixteen of the twenty-nine sites have been exposed to a history of reasonably frequent fire events, both prescribed and wildfire. The Lithgow Valley has a history of repeated hazard reduction burning, arson and other wildfire events extending over the past one hundred years. The fire history of this area is reflected in the highest concentration of Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites within the range of the species.
Despite being a spindly shrub, Blackthorn foliage is quite flammable and readily ignited and burnt in even a low intensity fire event. While fire will kill the above ground component, the shrub readily resprouts from the base, suckered from well developed underground rhizomes. The rhizome allows the Blackthorn to actively colonise new areas following disturbance such as fire at the expense of fire sensitive species. This view is supported by the density of other fire promoted species, including Kangaroo Grass (Themeda australis), Bracken Fern(Pteridium esculentum) andBlady Grass (Imperata cylindrica), at many Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites. Not only does fire support the spread of the host Blackthorn the fresh growth following a fire event is favoured by the butterfly larvae.
At six recently burnt sites, the butterfly is thriving two seasons on, although the adult numbers were reputedly down at one site the season immediately following a fire (J. Moffitt pers. comm.). Ants are also very obvious at two of these sites although it is unclear whether this reflects a response to fire, response to good numbers of adult butterflies, or other factors.
Fire also has the capacity to exclude butterflies at many sites. Burning during the period of July to February could remove the host plant and kill any larvae or eggs on the bush at that time. During summer the intensity of any fire event is likely to be higher and more destructive. If a destructive fire does occur, repopulation from adjacent unburnt sites may be necessary. This can be difficult for the Bathurst Copper Butterfly which occurs in restricted colonies, has a fragmented distribution and low vagility (E. Edwards pers. comm.).
During pupation (February to August) the butterfly are more likely to survive a fire event as they are in the ground in the ant's nest. It may be possible to undertake prescribed burning operations between March and June in order to allow sufficient time for the Blackthorn to resprout before the next flying season. It is possible that in areas where the attendant ant is not available, the butterflies pupate in leaf litter rather than under the ground. In this situation the pupae would obviously be more vulnerable in a fire event.
The exclusion of fire from Bathurst Copper Butterfly habitat is considered a threat to the species in the absence of other disturbance regimes that encourage the regeneration of Blackthorn. Although the use of fire as a management tool may assist in the management of Bathurst Copper Butterfly habitat, the timing of the activity is critical to managing rather than damaging habitat.
Accordingly, the prescription of a managed fire regime may be an effective tool in the maintenance of Bathurst Copper Butterfly habitat.
The listing of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly as an endangered species under the TSC Act has had practical implications for those undertaking hazard reduction burning. If an environmental impact assessment (EIA) is required for the activity, the potential impact of the burning on the Bathurst Copper Butterfly or its habitat must be considered. As a result of the EIA, there may be a need to implement modified burn management practices, exclude some areas, or burn at a time that minimises risk to the Bathurst Copper Butterfly.
Trial burning of an Eltham Copper Butterfly habitat was undertaken in late summer 1998. The following season a larval count in the burnt colony indicated that numbers were down significantly (ECBCG 1998). The Eltham Copper Butterfly will be monitored closely through larval and adult butterfly counts over the next few seasons. The outcome of this prescribed burning trial will be used to refine fire management guidelines for the Bathurst Copper Butterfly.
Grazing, like fire, can operate both as an important tool for reducing the effect of threats at a site or as a significant direct threat to the maintenance of Bathurst Copper Butterfly habitat.
Low level grazing can maintain an open sunny site by removing shrubs and reducing regeneration of canopy species. When stocking is at a low level, vegetation is selectively grazed and Blackthorn is largely passed over for less spiny and more palatable species. Conversely, grazing at high stocking rates can damage butterfly habitat by removing Blackthorn, preventing recruitment of new Blackthorn, and changing the spatial pattern of the plant (Dexter & Kitching 1991a).
Excluding grazing may however be harmful to Bathurst Copper Butterfly habitat particularly in the absence of other mechanisms to control weeds and vegetation that are reducing the availability of habitat. One of the best habitats of the endangered British butterfly, The Large Blue, Maculinea arion, was declared a nature reserve in the 1920's and later fenced. The protective fencing, which excluded grazing, led to the habitat becoming overgrown and the butterfly to disappear (New 1997).
Grazing by cattle, at low stocking rates, has been undertaken for over twenty years at two particular butterfly sites with healthy numbers of adults present. Two other butterfly sites have survived in paddocks largely cleared of native vegetation but where the Blackthorn has persisted. While grazing certainly may harm Bathurst Copper Butterfly habitat it can also prevent the operation of more significant threats, providing it is at a level that allows recruitment of Blackthorn.
The continuation of grazing at some site may be advantageous until alternative methods are introduced to manage other threats. However, the continuation of grazing is not considered an effective long term strategy for managing Bathurst Copper Butterfly habitat.
Grazing can impact on the attendant ants in a number ways (Dexter & Kitching 1991a). Stock trample the Blackthorn plants disturbing or destroying the ant colonies. The action of hooves cause soil compaction and erosion which may also impact on the ant. The application of superphosphate to improve pasture species, cause changes to soil properties that may exclude the ant as well as native plants that the butterfly utilise. Stock manure can spread weed species and may also cause nutrient changes in the soil inimical to the ant population
Feral pigs have been identified as a significant threat to one of only two butterfly sites located within a conservation reserve (B10). A research project conducted by University of New England in 1990 (McIntyre unpub) found that 30% of Blackthorn within the Site B10 had been impacted by pig activity and 10% had been killed. In addition to the damage and loss of host plants, the action of the feral pigs may also have affected the associated ant colonies.
Feral pig activity has not been obvious at any site since 1996. Control of blackberry at site B10 in 1996 and 1997 has significantly modified the habitat making it less attractive to feral pigs. There is potential for the pig to again impact on this site and regular site monitoring is required. It is unlikely that any butterfly sites, outside the two NPWS sites (B10, B11), would be affected by feral pigs or goats. The large area of habitat and remote location of the NPWS sites means that monitoring and ongoing control of feral animals is a significant issue to be addressed.
Feral goats have also been identified as threats to habitat (Kitching & Baker 1990) by grazing the host plant, however no grazing by goats has been recorded in the last four years.
The widespread clearing of native vegetation has not only reduced the amount of Blackthorn available for the butterfly, but also fragmented the habitat into isolated remnants. The isolation of the remaining sites is a significant threat to the Bathurst Copper Butterfly. The smaller a population the more vulnerable it is to the various threats that operate against it. The viability of isolated sites relies on population size, and habitat quality and extent, to allow the species to recover from extreme seasons or the operation of threatening factors.
The dispersal ability of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly is limited by its small size, its recorded flight behaviour and the proximity of potential habitat. For the majority of known habitat, movement between sites or colonisation of potential habitat by natural dispersal is limited by the large distances involved. Several sites are located close enough for inter-site movement to be feasible. This movement is likely to be assisted by the creation of habitat corridors that link sites.
At site B9, the habitat is present in discrete patches that could be linked by the creation of habitat corridors. If the creation of connecting habitat at site B9 allows the movement of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly between areas of habitat, it is likely to contribute to the protection of the genetic variability of the species and allow recovery of the butterfly at the site following impacts such as fires. The effectiveness of establishing habitat links in allowing intra or inter-site migration is not known. Trial establishments of habitat at site B9 may provide useful data on the value of establishing such links.
Additionally, under a metapopulation structure all potential habitat within the range of the species is important (New 1997). Accordingly, it is important to recognise that contiguous areas of habitat, such as that within the Lithgow Valley, are likely to play a significant role in the ecology of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly.
The relationship between the Bathurst Copper Butterfly and its attendant ant is little known or understood. Healthy numbers of adults are generally associated with healthy numbers of ant, and butterflies will rarely utilise Blackthorn where the ant is not present. Changes to soil characteristics such as compaction, erosion or nutrient status can exclude the ant (Dexter & Kitching 1991a, Dexter & Kitching 1991b).
The decline of butterfly numbers has also been correlated to disappearance of the attendant ant. It is not known how to create or maintain an environment suitable for the ant so that potential habitat adjacent to known sites becomes utilised. The effects of weed spraying, fire and grazing, on the attendant ant also need to be understood.
The habitat requirements of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly attendant ant, A. itinerans, are not well understood. It may be that dead and fallen timber is an important component. Dead and fallen timber has been documented as a significant habitat component for the Coconut Ant (Papyrius nitidus)which has a mutualistic relationship with the rare Small Ant-blue butterfly (Acrodipsus myrmecophila)(Britton & Jelinek 1995). The provision of artificial 'trap nests', constructed from old fence posts, has led to the establishment of colonies of the Coconut ant along with the butterfly larvae and pupae.
From its initial description as a new species, Edwards and Common (1978) raised concerns that over-collection of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly at its type locality may place the species in jeopardy. Prior to its protection under the TSC Act the Bathurst Copper Butterfly was open to uncontrolled collection by enthusiasts. Collection at one particular site, the so-called 'collectors' site, was later linked with a severe reduction in the number of adults (Dexter & Kitching 1991b). The Bathurst Copper Butterfly has not been recently recorded at six sites including the type locality and 'collectors' site. While collection alone is unlikely to have caused these declines, the small size of these sites may make them unable to sustain harvesting.
The legislative protection of butterflies has been opposed by many lepidopterists who argue that amateur collectors play an important role in surveying and locating new sites of rare species such as the Bathurst Copper Butterfly. The efforts of these enthusiasts is hampered by legislation that requires licenses to collect specimens. The result of this is that amateur lepidopterists become reluctant to search out potential habitat and report new sites. The opposing view is that only by actively surveying potential habitat and reporting new sites can enthusiasts work toward the eventual delisting of rare species.
The TSC Act includes provisions that allow the issuing of licences that permit the taking of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly. This mechanism allows collection activities that are in the interests of the conservation of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly. It also ensures that ecological information obtained during collection activities is captured, hence can be utilised for recovery planning.
The NPWS is responsible for the enforcement of NSW legislation relating to the collection of threatened species such as the Bathurst Copper Butterfly. The monitoring of prominent sites to detect and deter illegal collection is a key component of understanding the effect of this activity. Communication with the entomological community through relevant journals is also a high priority. The support of enthusiasts should be sought so that the valuable habitat, distribution and ecology information is shared. These forums would allow the NPWS to discuss concerns associated with collection and also outline opportunities for genuine research. The NPWS understands that collection activities for this species may be very low.
The extent, origin, and location of specimens held in private collections are not known. Accordingly, trade in specimens collected legally prior to the promulgation of the TSC Act cannot be easily monitored or controlled if necessary. It appears that trade in the species is negligible (Dons Sands, pers. comm.).
Despite references to the historical collection of the species, and anecdotal evidence that illegal collection is occurring, it is difficult to determine the extent of current illegal collection activities. Similarly, the demand for national and international trade in specimens of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly is not known, though it is expected to be low.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) establishes an international regulatory framework to restrict the illegal trade of endangered species between party countries.
The Wildlife Protection (Regulation of Exports and Imports) Act 1982 (Comm.) (WP(REI) Act) offers CITES-equivalent levels of protection regarding the export of native species, and specifically includes EPBC Act listed species such as the Bathurst Copper Butterfly. However, the WP(REI) Act does not control the trade of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly between countries other than Australia.
The listing of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly under CITES does not confer additional controls over the export and import of the species from and to Australia beyond those provided by the WP(REI) Act. Listing under CITES would provide additional controls relating to the export and import of the species from and to countries that are party to the Convention (145 countries are party to the Convention).
Provided that the Commonwealth legislation is effective in the management of the export of specimens of the species from Australia, the trade of specimens between other countries will not affect the conservation of the species. In the absence of demonstrated international trade in the Bathurst Copper Butterfly, CITES listing is not warranted.
8.3 Community awareness and involvement
Community awareness and involvement in the Bathurst Copper Butterfly recovery effort is a high priority of this plan. Four target audiences have been identified and a range of interpretive media has been produced to meet each groups specific needs.
The owners and managers of Bathurst Copper Butterfly habitat are the first and most important audience. The informed support of habitat owners is the best protection most sites will achieve. Through annual joint on-site inspections and an annual newsletter the owners and managers will be kept up to date on recovery initiatives and involved where possible in the recovery actions.
The second key audience are public authorities in local, State and Commonwealth Government. Authorities with approval responsibilities under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997, or other legislation, assess proposals that may impact on Bathurst Copper Butterfly habitat. This sector of the community requires an understanding of the significance of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly, its specific ecological requirements, and its sensitivity to impacts.
Many public authorities are also operational and may directly impact on sites through their day to day responsibilities. Local government, County Council, Roads and Traffic Authority, Rural Fire Service and the range of power, telecommunications and other utilities suppliers all need to be aware of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly. In particular the employees and contractors of these authorities need to identify Blackthorn as potential endangered species habitat.
The entomological community are an important target audience. Amateur and professional lepidopterists need to be informed and involved in the recovery effort. Interpretive efforts will be developed to encourage cooperation with entomologists in habitat survey, population monitoring and research into the Bathurst Copper Butterfly.
The final target audience are the general community. It is community support and awareness that highlights the plight of species such as the Bathurst Copper Butterfly. Increased community awareness is evident in increased involvement in bush regeneration, habitat survey and site monitoring programs.
8.4 Translocation
Translocation is defined as the deliberate reintroduction of species into an area where it once occurred or introduction to an area where it never occurred. Translocation may also involve the supplementation of a declining population with new individuals. Captive breeding may be a component of a translocation program and is used as a source of stock for the above. Translocation programs are usually devised to assist in the conservation of a threatened species, within the context of a broader recovery strategy. Translocation programs can provide a measure of security for critically endangered populations in the event of catastrophes such as the impacts of fire or disease.
Translocation of an Eltham Copper Butterfly population to Melbourne Zoo is currently being initiated (Eltham Copper Butterfly Coordinating Group 1999a; Eltham Copper Butterfly Coordinating Group 1999b). The proposal first involves the establishment of Native Blackthorn plants and two species of attendant ants Notoncus spp. Pending the establishment of host plant and attendant ants, either mated female Eltham Copper Butterfly or larvae will then be translocated to the Zoo site. The outcome of this project should provide useful parallels on the viability of translocation for Bathurst Copper Butterfly.
The translocation of Bathurst Copper Butterflyis not considered to be an appropriate conservation mechanism at this stage of the recovery effort. The conservation and appropriate management of remaining habitat areas is considered a more effective option. The captive breeding efforts outlined in sub-section 7.9 do however indicate that translocation is feasible. The option of translocation will be considered in the review of this plan and on the basis of a greater understanding of the ecology of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly and threatening processes. For this reason, potential habitat within the range of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly should continue to be managed and conserved even if active adults have not been recently recorded.
8.5 Consideration of Social and economic consequences
The implementation of this recovery plan will have a social impact on the local communities and in particular the owners and managers of Bathurst Copper Butterfly habitat. In general this impact will be very positive. Local communities have been quick to support the conservation efforts of a species of such local and thus identifiable range. This is particularly true for the type locality of Yetholme where it still enjoys strong community support. As an endangered butterfly species and a butterfly of subtle but spectacular beauty the Bathurst Copper Butterfly is also ensured strong community support. Landholders have in general been enthusiastic in their management of a threatened species on their properties.
Minor negative social impacts may also occur. Some landholders are reluctant to conserve habitat and view the recovery effort as either a waste of money or as an intrusion on their rights to manage their land. While these opinions are in the minority they certainly constitute a challenge for the recovery effort. Personal and regular contact with landholders is a key strategy in encouraging awareness and involvement in the recovery effort.
Another impact may be consideration of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly in any environmental impact assessment for proposed development. As a taxon listed pursuant to the provisions of the TSC Act, the Bathurst Copper Butterfly must be considered in any development proposals. Due to the taxon's occurrence at twenty-nine discrete sites, it is possible that a number of development proposals will need to consider their likely effects on the Bathurst Copper Butterfly or its habitat.
The continued liaison with the local community, affected landholders, and relevant government agencies will address and minimise social impacts arising from the conservation of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly.
The economic consequences of this recovery plan on private landholders relate to implementation costs and possible development restrictions. Implementation costs relate to weed control and possible loss in income from restricted grazing. The relatively small size of habitat areas make these considerations inconsequential. Noxious weed control is an existing responsibility to landholders and under this plan may be shared with the NPWS. The potential impact on development approvals should also be minimal since most of the actions expand the existing provisions of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
Management costs related to NPWS land should be reflected in the plan of management for Winburndale Nature Reserve. Management costs on other public lands are either minor, such as fencing and signposting, or recurrent activities required for the normal management of the land, such as fire management and weed control.
Many of the proposed recovery actions are subject to available funding. These funding opportunities will provide a financial incentive to landholders to co-operate in the recovery effort.
8.6 Biodiversity benefits
The Bathurst Copper Butterfly represents a change in philosophy regarding the conservation of our biodiversity. It is the only butterfly currently listed as an endangered species under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995in NSW. It is also the only butterfly currently listed as a vulnerable species under the Commonwealths' Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Butterflies have been described as the insect equivalents of the Blue Whale, Giant Panda, Rhinoceros and Californian Condor (New, 1997). Given the aesthetic appeal of butterflies, and the Bathurst Copper Butterfly specifically, it is only natural that they be the flagship for invertebrate conservation efforts.
8.7 Ability to recover
The Bathurst Copper Butterfly ability to recover is limited by the available habitat. However, as discussed above it is not feasible at this stage to create additional areas of habitat. The Bathurst Copper Butterfly's small size and weak erratic flight results in an extremely low dispersal capability.
No data currently exists that clearly demonstrate the past or present status of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly. It is not conclusively known whether the Bathurst Copper Butterfly population is stable and fluctuating within normal ranges due to annual and seasonal variation in breeding success, or whether the Bathurst Copper Butterfly population is in decline from factors such as habitat loss, habitat modification, weed incursion, altered fire regimes, and illegal collection. However, the combination of the apparent lack of flying adults of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly at some sites and the continued loss of potential habitat potentially indicates that the species is in decline. Conversely, changes in population may represent a natural fluctuation in population cycles.
At this stage the likelihood of recovery for the Bathurst Copper Butterfly is not known. Ongoing monitoring of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly is being undertaken to provide an assessment of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly's response to recovery actions, and to provide information to assist in the review of recovery actions and to identify alternative management practices.
9 Overall objectives and criteria
9.1 Overall objective
The recovery program for the Bathurst Copper Butterfly aims to stabilise the population through the prevention of threatening processes, then to increase the in situ population through habitat management, with the aim of downlisting the species to vulnerable. The recovery plan constitutes the first five-year stage of the long-term recovery program.
The overall objective of this recovery plan is to stabilise the Bathurst Copper Butterfly's status as an endangered species pursuant to the provisions of the TSC Act. Recovery relates specifically to the prevention of the decline in the number of sub-populations and individuals of Bathurst Copper Butterfly extant in the wild, by protecting known sub-populations from threats.
9.2 Performance Criteria
The overall performance criteria of the recovery plan is that the number of sub-populations and individuals of Bathurst Copper Butterfly extant in the wild does not decrease and fluctuations in population parameters over five years occur in accordance with knowledge of the species' ecology.
10 Threat abatement
10.1 Objectives
The objectives of the threat abatement program are;
- to prevent the continuation of factors that are detrimentally affecting the Bathurst Copper Butterfly or its habitat, and
- to prevent the occurrence of activities that may affect the Bathurst Copper Butterfly or its habitat.
10.2 Criteria
- Factors detrimentally affecting the Bathurst Copper Butterfly or its habitat are known for each of the sites within two years.
- Factors detrimentally affecting the Bathurst Copper Butterfly or its habitat are reduced to a level where their level of effect is not significant within five years. These factors include; loss of habitat, illegal collection, weed incursion, access road maintenance, grazing, firewood collection, feral animal activity, and fire management practices. This reduction is expected to result in stabilisation of sub-populations of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly.
10.3 Recovery actions
- 10.3.1 Complete assessment of threats operating on freehold land
- 10.3.2 Clearing prevention and impact assessment
- 10.3.3 Manage weeds to prevent impacts on habitat
- 10.3.4 Create habitat corridors to reduce isolation of sites
- 10.3.5 Monitor the illegal collection of Bathurst Copper Butterfly
- 10.3.6 Manage vehicular access and recreational vehicle use to prevent impacts on habitat
- 10.3.7 Management of road surfaces and maintenance activities to prevent impacts on habitat
- 10.3.8 Management of fire prevention activities and planning to prevent impacts on habitat
- 10.3.9 Management of grazing activities to prevent impacts on habitat
- 10.3.10 Management of impacts associated with feral animals
- 10.3.11 Management of dead timber removal / firewood collection to prevent impacts on habitat
10.3.1 Complete assessment of threats operating on freehold land
- The NPWS will complete assessment of the threats operating at Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites on freehold land. The NPWS will liaise with landholders to provide advice about species ecology, threatening processes, ameliorative actions, and potential sources of incentives.
10.3.2 Clearing prevention and impact assessment
- For Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites or habitat potentially affected by a development or activity proposal, determination and consent authorities under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and the Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997 shall have due regard to this recovery plan (including the environmental impact assessment guidelines included as Appendix 1).
- The NPWS, State Forests of NSW, RLPB, DLWC, ESC, ADI and LCC, and any other relevant land managers will ensure that the contents of this recovery plan are considered during the preparation and implementation of strategic land-use planning documents such as NPWS Reserve Plans of Management, Local Environmental Plans, and Regional Environmental Plans.
- For Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites under its management the State Forests of NSW will manage adjacent forestry operations to prevent impacts on known and potential habitat in accordance with the guidelines described in Appendix 6.
- The ESC will ensure that the management and future operation of its waste management facility does not impact on the adjacent Bathurst Copper Butterfly habitat. The ESC will erect an exclusion fence around site B9 to prevent rubbish being tipped or spread outside the facility. The ESC will arrange for the regular removal of rubbish from site B9.
10.3.3 Manage weeds to prevent impacts on habitat
- For Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites under their management the NPWS, RLPB, DLWC, LCC, ESC, ADI, and State Forests of NSW will ensure that weed control is carried out in accordance with the guidelines outlined in Appendix 3.
- State Forests of NSW will undertake weed control on large infestations of Broome, Cytisus scoparius, adjacent to site B9.
10.3.4 Create habitat corridors to reduce isolation of sites
- State Forests of NSW will rehabilitate the area adjacent to site B9 that is cleared of Broome under action 10.3.3. The rehabilitation will involve the establishment of Blackthorn, Bursaria spinosa subsp. lasiophylla and will be designed in a manner that maximises habitat links between extant Bathurst Copper Butterfly habitat. NSW State Forests will consult with the NPWS in the rehabilitation of this area.
- Where ESC proposes to cease landfill operations at site B9, the ESC will consult with the NPWS in the formulation of the rehabilitation specifications to assist in the enhancement of Bathurst Copper Butterfly habitat.
- NPWS will facilitate the creation of habitat links between proximal sites.
10.3.5 Monitor the illegal collection of Bathurst Copper Butterfly
- The NPWS will undertake surveillance of known Bathurst Copper Butterfly habitat in order to detect and deter the illegal collection of Bathurst Copper Butterfly specimens. The NPWS will contact Bathurst Copper Butterfly site landholders and adjoining landholders in order to seek their assistance in the detection of illegal collection activities.
10.3.6 Manage vehicular access and recreational vehicle use to prevent impacts on habitat
- For Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites under their management, the RLPB and State Forests of NSW will prevent unauthorised vehicle access to site O2 and B9 (respectively) through the installation of gates/barriers and other appropriate access management structures
- The ESC will prevent unauthorised vehicle access to site B9. This will include the closure of the vehicular track traversing site B9. In consultation with the NPWS, the ESC will construct drains to ensure that runoff from this track does not impact on Bathurst Copper Butterfly habitat.
10.3.7 Management of road surfaces and maintenance activities to prevent impacts on habitat
- For Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites under their management the ESC and LCC will ensure that road maintenance activities are assessed and conditions of operation are included to ensure that such activities do not affect Bathurst Copper Butterfly habitat.
- The ESC will consider the need to prevent the continuation of impacts on Bathurst Copper Butterfly habitat at sites B3 and B9 associated with the generation of dust from adjacent unsealed roads under the ESC's management. This consideration will include the recognition of this need when establishing priorities for the sealing of gravel roads within the Shire.
10.3.8 Management of fire prevention activities and planning to prevent impacts on habitat
- For Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites under their management the NPWS, RLPB, DLWC, LCC, ESC, ADI, and State Forests of NSW will ensure that fire management of the sites is planned in cognisance of the ecological requirements of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly and effected in accordance with the guidelines for fire management outlined in Appendix 4.
10.3.9 Management of grazing activities to prevent impacts on habitat
- For Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites under their management ADI, NSW State Forests, and DLWC will generally exclude grazing by domestic stock.
- For the Bathurst Copper Butterfly site under its management the RLPB will restrict grazing to a level not exceeding historical levels and to a level that ensures that harm to Bathurst Copper Butterfly habitat is avoided. The RLPB will liaise with the NPWS regarding any proposal to authorise the grazing domestic stock on the site.
- The NPWS will prepare guidelines for the management of grazing at Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites.
- The NPWS will liaise with affected freehold landholders to encourage them to manage grazing activities in accordance with the guidelines for grazing described above.
10.3.10 Management of impacts associated with feral animals
- The NPWS will monitor sites B10 and B11 each year for any evidence of goat or pig activity. Where sign of feral pig or goat activity is detected the NPWS will initiate control programs including aerial culling, trapping or baiting.
10.3.11 Management of dead timber removal / firewood collection to prevent impacts on habitat
- For Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites under their management the NPWS, RLPB, DLWC, LCC, ESC, ADI, and State Forests of NSW will ensure that firewood harvesting and the removal of dead timber does not occur.
- The NPWS will encourage the owners of freehold Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites to retain dead timber and firewood within or adjacent to Bathurst Copper Butterfly habitat.
11 Community awareness and involvement
11.1 Objectives
The objectives of the community awareness and involvement program are;
- to increase community awareness of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly and Blackthorn as an endangered species habitat;
- to encourage involvement of the entomological community in recovery efforts;
- to guide and assist the owners and managers of Bathurst Copper Butterfly habitat in the recovery efforts on their lands;
- to ensure that local, State government and Commonwealth agencies make informed decisions on matters that affect the conservation of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly.
11.2 Criteria
- There is an increase in the reporting of Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites, potential habitat, or suspected illegal collection activities by the community within five years.
- Land management practices that are sensitive to the recovery of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly habitat are implemented by land managers and owners within five years.
- Decision reports on proposals affecting the Bathurst Copper Butterfly or its habitat include specific consideration of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly within one year.
- Lepidopterists actively participate in recovery actions or research within four years.
11.3 Recovery actions
- 11.3.1 Inform and involve the broader community of issues associated with the conservation of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly
- 11.3.2 Inform and involve affected landholders of issues associated with the conservation of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly
- 11.3.3 Inform and educate local and State government agencies of issues associated with the conservation of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly
- 11.3.4 Inform and involve lepidopterists of issues associated with the conservation of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly
11.3.1 Inform and involve the broader community of issues associated with the conservation of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly
- The NPWS will produce and disseminate an information brochure on the Bathurst Copper Butterfly. The information brochure will be disseminated to affected landholders, and will be available from NPWS offices at Oberon, Bathurst, Blackheath, and Hurstville and the offices of Lithgow City, Oberon Shire, and Evans Shire Councils.
- The NPWS will produce an information brochure on the identification and significance of the native Blackthorn, Bursaria spinosa subsp. lasiophylla.The information brochure will be made available to NPWS offices at Oberon, Bathurst, Blackheath, and Hurstville and the offices of Lithgow City, and Evans Shire Councils.
- The NPWS will encourage and coordinate the involvement of community-based groups in the implementation of recovery actions.
- The NPWS will prepare and disseminate regular media releases on the Bathurst Copper Butterfly and associated recovery efforts.
- State Forests of NSW, ESC, and LCC, in consultation with the NPWS, will install signs identifying significant habitat at sites on road reserves under their management.
11.3.2 Inform and involve affected landholders of issues associated with the conservation of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly
- The NPWS will produce and disseminate to affected landholders an annual newsletter of Bathurst Copper Butterfly recovery actions and issues.
- The NPWS will liaise with affected landholders personally through annual site assessments as described in Appendix 5.
- For all known Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites within its local government area, the ESC will include a notation regarding the Bathurst Copper Butterfly on any s.149 Certificates issued under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 in respect of affected lands. The notation will include reference to the Bathurst Copper Butterfly, its habitat, and its status under the TSC Act.
- For all known Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites within its local government area, the LCC will include a notation regarding the Bathurst Copper Butterfly on any planning certificate issued in response to an application for advice under s.149(5) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 in respect of affected lands. The notation will include reference to the Bathurst Copper Butterfly, its habitat, and its status under the TSC Act.
- The NPWS will target landholders within the range of the butterfly with the Native Blackthorn and Bathurst Copper Butterfly leaflets. The leaflets will be displayed on community notice boards, through field days and distributed to key groups such as Rural Fire Service and LandCare.
11.3.3 Inform and educate local and State government agencies of issues associated with the conservation of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly
- The NPWS will produce and disseminate to affected local and State government agencies an annual newsletter of Bathurst Copper Butterfly recovery actions and issues.
- The NPWS will produce and disseminate to local and State government agencies a species information sheet and an environmental impact assessment guideline (Appendix 1) on the Bathurst Copper Butterfly.
- The NPWS will disseminate to affected local government and county councils and State government agencies a description of the known sites of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly within the relevant local government area, or area of management responsibility respectively.
- Evans and Lithgow Shire Councils will ensure that all relevant sections of their organisations are informed of Council's role in the recovery of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly.
- The NPWS will produce a Native Blackthorn leaflet. NPWS will distribute the leaflet to relevant authorities including LCC, ESC, UMCC, RTA, Telstra, Delta Electricity, Advance Energy for the advice of their field operators.
11.3.4 Inform and involve lepidopterists of issues associated with the conservation of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly
- The NPWS will encourage involvement of lepidopterists in the Bathurst Copper Butterfly recovery effort particularly in habitat survey, population monitoring and research. NPWS will prepare an annual article for The Australian Entomologist, other relevant journals and newsletters.
12 Research and monitoring
12.1 Objectives
The objectives of the research and monitoring program are to;
- create and disseminate records of known sites to relevant persons,
- monitor population dynamics at each of the sites
- identify and assess potential Bathurst Copper Butterfly habitat, and
- undertake or encourage research into aspects of the ecology of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly that is likely to provide information valuable to the recovery of the taxon.
- To understand essential aspects of the ecology of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly, host Blackthorn and attendant ant.
12.2 Criteria
- Site record forms are completed for each site and disseminated to relevant persons within one year.
- A program to monitor Bathurst Copper Butterfly population parameters is established within one year.
- A model of potential Bathurst Copper Butterfly habitat is produced within three years.
- Potential habitat is assessed within five years.
- A research project on an aspect of Bathurst Copper Butterfly ecology is completed within five years
12.3 Recovery actions
- 12.3.1 Recording of extant sites
- 12.3.2 Annual monitoring of population and site parameters
- 12.3.3 Identification and assessment of potential habitat
- 12.3.4 Research into the ecological requirements of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly, host Blackthorn and attendant ant
12.3.1 Recording of extant sites
- The NPWS will record extant Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites in accordance with the style identified in Appendix 2.
- For Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites under their management the NPWS, RLPB, LCC, ESC, DLWC, ADI and State Forests of NSW will maintain records of these sites.
12.3.2 Annual monitoring of population and site parameters
- The NPWS will undertake an annual assessment of Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites in accordance with the guidelines specified in Appendix 5.
- The NPWS will examine the appropriateness of establishing and implementing a method of assessing Bathurst Copper Butterfly population size.
12.3.3 Identification and assessment of potential habitat
- The NPWS will develop and apply a GIS model to assist in the prediction of potential habitat for the Bathurst Copper Butterfly.
- The NPWS will liaise with entomological societies in order to seek their assistance in the identification of otherwise unrecorded habitat and sites.
- The NPWS will investigate funding options for the continuation of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly potential habitat survey and assessment program.
12.3.4 Research into the ecological requirements of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly, host Blackthorn and attendant ant
- The NPWS will monitor the effect of creating habitat corridors between areas of discrete habitat at site B9. The monitoring will include the collection of data on the occupation of the rehabilitated areas, and the movement of individuals between formerly discrete patches of habitat.
- The NPWS will investigate funding sources for effecting an ant survey at Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites to determine the range of ant species present, and the distribution and abundance of the attendant ant, Anonychomyrma itinerans.
- The NPWS will encourage research on the morphology and microhabitat requirements of the attendant ant, Anonychomyrma itinerans.
- The NPWS will encourage research into the role of Iridomyrex sp.1,2,3, I. purpureus, I. rufoniger group 1 and 2, and Ochetellus sp in the ecology of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly.
- The NPWS will encourage research on the population dynamics, ecology, and habitat requirements of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly, in order to address specific information gaps in the understanding of the taxon's ecology. Particular emphasis will be placed on the need to determine the extent of gene flow between sub-populations, the biotic factors influencing distribution, causes of immature stage mortality (including parasitoids), the use of B. subsp. lasiophylla by Paralucia aurifer.
- The NPWS will encourage research on the response of the attendant ant, butterfly, and host plant to fire.
13 Reservation / conservation status
13.1 Objectives
The objectives of the reservation / conservation status program are to;
- increase the legislative protection of publicly-owned land Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites, and
- increase the security of freehold Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites.
13.2 Criteria
- Four publicly owned Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites are afforded a higher level of legislative protection concordant with the conservation significance of these sites within five years
- Negotiations for Voluntary Conservation Agreements over three freehold Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites are commenced or completed within five years.
13.3 Recovery actions
13.3.1 Seek increase in legislative protection of freehold and publicly owned Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites
- The NPWS will discuss options for the increase in level of legislative protection of Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites with site owners. Protection mechanisms that could be negotiated include land rezoning, joint management agreements, property management plans, voluntary conservation agreements and plans of management for sites.
- For Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites on Crown land administered by DLWC, DLWC may investigate a review of the status of these Crown lands. Where Crown land status does not reflect the extant of conservation values, DLWC may amend the status to reflect the need to manage these sites for conservation purposes.
- Evans Shire Council and Lithgow City Council will, when reviewing relevant planning instruments, identify Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites as sites of conservation significance, and include objectives and provisions that specify the need to conserve that Bathurst Copper Butterfly at the sites.
- State Forests of NSW will identify Bathurst Copper Butterfly sites in Forest Management Zoning as sites of conservation significance, and include objectives and provisions that specify the need to conserve that Bathurst Copper Butterfly at the sites.
14 Implementation
14.1 Implementation responsibility
Table 1 allocates responsibility for the implementation of recovery actions specified in this plan to relevant government agencies for the period 2000 to 2004.
14.2 Implementation Costs
Appendix 7 provides detailed implementation costs and the source of funding.
Table 1: Implementation schedule
| Action | Description | Responsibility for implementation | Timeframe | Priority |
| 10 | Threat Abatement | |||
| 10.3.1 | Assessment of threats. | NPWS | 2000 | Essential |
| 10.3.2 | Clearing prevention and impact assessment | D/C Authorities NPWS, SF, ESC, LCC, ADI, DLWC | As required 2000 | Essential Essential |
| 10.3.3 | Weed management. | NPWS, SF, ESC, LCC, ADI, DLWC | Ongoing | Essential |
| 10.3.4 | Habitat corridors | SF, ESC, NPWS | ||
|
10.3.5 |
Illegal collection monitoring. | NPWS | Ongoing | High |
| 10.3.6 | Vehicular access | RLPB, SF, LCC, ESC | Subject to funding | Moderate |
| 10.3.7 | Dust management / Road maintenance | ESC, LCC | Subject to funding | High |
| 10.3.8 | Fire management | SF, NPWS, RLPB, LCC, ESC, ADI, DLWC | Ongoing | High |
| 10.3.9 | Grazing management | RLPB, NPWS, ADI, DLWC | Ongoing | Essential |
| 10.3.10 | Feral animal management | NPWS | ||
| 10.3.11 | Dead timber removal / Firewood collection | NPWS, SF, ESC, LCC, RLPB, ADI, DLWC | Ongoing | High |
| 11 | Community education and awareness. | |||
| 11.3.1 | Inform and educate the broader community | NPWS, ESC, LCC | Ongoing | Essential |
| 11.3.2 | Inform and involve affected landholders | NPWS, ESC, LCC | Ongoing | Essential |
| 11.3.3 | Inform and educate local and State government agencies | NPWS | Ongoing | High |
| 11.3.4 | Inform and involve lepidopterists | NPWS | Ongoing | High |
| 12 | Research and monitoring | |||
| 12.3.1 | Record extant sites | NPWS, SF, ESC, LCC, RLPB, ADI, DLWC | Ongoing | High |
| 12.3.2 | Monitoring | NPWS | Ongoing | High |
| 12.3.3 | Identify and assess potential habitat | NPWS |
Subject to funding |
High |
| 12.3.4 | Research | NPWS | Subject to funding | High |
| 13 | Reservation/conservation | |||
| 13.3.1 | Increase legislative protection | NPWS, DLWC, LCC, ESC | Ongoing | Moderate |
| D/C |
Authorities determining & consent authorities under the EP and A Act |
| All |
All agencies listed below |
| NPWS |
National Parks and Wildlife Service |
| State Forests |
State Forests of NSW |
| DLWC | Department of Land and Water Conservation |
| RLPB |
Rural Lands Protection Board |
| RFS |
Rural Fire Service |
| LG |
Local Government |
| ESC |
Evans Shire Council |
| LCC |
Lithgow City Council |
| UMCC |
Upper Macquarie County Council |
15 Preparation details
This Recovery Plan was prepared by Allan Goodwin, Ranger, Tweed Area (formerly Central West District) NPWS, and Simon Nally, Senior Threatened Species Officer, Central Directorate NPWS.
15.1 Date of last amendment
This document is the first recovery plan for the Bathurst Copper Butterfly. No amendments to the plan have been made.
15.2 Review date
This recovery plan will be reviewed five years from the date of publication.
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Vaughan P.J. (1988) Management Plan for the Eltham Copper Butterfly (Paralucia pyrodiscus lucida Crosby). Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research - Technical Report Series No. 79 - Conservation Forests and Lands - National Parks and Wildlife Division Victoria.
Webster A. (1993) Action Statement No 39 - Eltham Copper Butterfly Paralucia pyrodiscus lucida. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Victoria.
Braby M. F. (1990) The Life, History and Biology of Paralucia pyrodiscus lucida Crosby (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) Aust Ent Soc Vol 29 :41-50.
© NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2001.
This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced without prior written permission from NPWS.
For further information contact:
Threatened Species Unit, Central Directorate.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
PO Box 1967
Hurstville NSW 2220
Tel: 02 9585 6678
www.npws.nsw.gov.au
This plan should be cited as follows
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2001) Bathurst Copper Butterfly (Paralucia spinifera) Recovery Plan.
Prepared in accordance with the New South Wales Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999