Building on the Current Foundation

Abstract

The variety of case histories for butterfly taxa discussed in the previous sections exemplifies two major geographical contexts for conservation interest. First, a few threatened taxa, mainly those found close to urban centres and demonstrably threatened by human activities – predominantly those associated with density and extent of settlement and accompanying land-clearing and drainage activities – have become high profile cases as individual conservation targets and have received (and, in most cases, continue to receive) individual conservation attention based on relatively comprehensive understanding and planning. Second, others are known, or strongly suspected, to need equivalent attention but occur either (1) across wider landscapes or biotopes rather than on discrete sites and/or (2) in relatively remote areas where the capability to study and manage them is very limited and their management needs difficult to define. Particularly in relation to the second category, many of these are essentially ‘out of sight’ of conservation authorities. Notwithstanding that many such areas have been degraded substantially, with presumed fragmentation of the distributions of many butterfly and other taxa to create presumed remnant populations, conservation needs are difficult to define beyond broad generalities. However, better definition of needs and priorities is itself a clear priority for progress to be made. In addition, most practical conservation beyond obvious generalities (such as assuring site security and abatement of major conspicuous threats) is experimental, with research to augment basic ecological knowledge an important, even initially prevalent, precursor to practical management. Establishing and understanding the dynamics of their resource needs is fundamental in increasing the effectiveness of butterfly conservation management.