Press Room

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 13, 2007

Cumberland, OH (Aug. 13, 2007) – The butterfly population at the Wilds is on the rebound and flourishing as a result of the creation of a 12-acre meadow area that has been enhanced to support butterfly populations using a variety of restoration and management techniques.

Since 2003, under the direction of Dr. Nicole Cavender, Director of Restoration Ecology at the Wilds, an area known as The Butterfly Habitat has been planted with a variety of flowers ideal for supporting large numbers of butterflies.

As a result, the population numbers of a variety of butterfly species has increased 114% since counts began in 2004.

“We are working directly with the land to try and improve a large area of habitat for butterflies,” said Cavender. “We are focusing on introducing greater plant diversity that will support butterfly populations and are tracking changes through scientific monitoring.”

As pollinators, butterflies are critical components to many ecosystems, contributing to overall plant diversity. They are also an important food source for birds and other prey. Butterfly species have suffered from the stresses of habitat modification, destruction of land, and use of pesticides.

Three years of data has been compiled by the Wilds’ Restoration Ecology staff by regularly walking a fixed transect, or mowed path, through the Habitat and recording numbers of species as well as other observations.

In 2004, the first year of habitat improvements, 625 individual butterflies were recorded along the transect.

In 2005, 788 individuals were recorded – a 24% increase.

In 2006, 1,525 individuals were recorded – a 94% increase since 2005, and a 114% increase since 2004.

The number of different species recorded in 2004 was 26. This increased to 37 species in 2006 – a 42% increase in species richness.

“These increases are attributed to the addition of nectar producing plant species such as the native perennials which have been established at The Butterfly Habitat,” said Cavender. “Also, an annual garden that was first planted at the entrance in 2006 provides a bed of attractive color and a generous source of nectar.”

While this year’s species counts are still underway, monitoring shows that monarchs have increased to their highest numbers so far this season.

“The drought-like conditions of this spring caused many flowers to be stunted in growth and some may not bloom as well this season,” said Wilds Field Technician Shana Byrd. “This trend has resulted in lower butterfly numbers compared to the same time last year. “

“However, the past two weeks have brought consistent rain which is allowing many plants to muster just enough energy to still put on a display of color for visitors and butterflies alike,” said Byrd.

In addition to the 12 acres of meadow, The Butterfly Habitat includes about 25 acres of woodlands and two acres of wetlands. This combination provides the full variety of habitat that a butterfly needs to complete its life cycle from egg to larva to pupae to adult.

Butterflies thrive in hot, muggy conditions. With recent weather trends, The Butterfly Habitat is nearing the peak of its butterflies and blooms season, providing a stunning visual feast and experience for visitors.

Located near the Wilds’ main entrance on International Road, the Habitat features walking trails through the various habitats, and is open to the public year-round.

To inspire garden enthusiasts, the Muskingum County Master Gardeners planted a display garden at the Habitat entrance with examples of plants that can be used to attract butterflies in backyard environments.

Prairie restoration work has also taken place on other large areas of reclaimed surface mine land at the Wilds. Management techniques include prescribed burns that remove non-native grasses and stimulate native, dormant seeds, as well as planting and seeding native prairie grasses and flowers.

At 10,000 acres, the Wilds is one of the largest conservation centers in North America, and is home to rare and endangered animals from around the world.

The mission of the Wilds is to advance conservation through science, education, and personal experience. For more information about visitor experiences, visit www.thewilds.org, or call 740-638-5030.