Official Journal of the Lepidopterists' Society of Africa
Metamorphosis Volume 11 (2000), Metamorphosis Volume 11, Issue 3: 154 - 163
Publication Date : 2000-09-30
Author/s : Timothy R. New, B. D. Praagh and A. L. Yen

Title :

Fire and the management of habitat quality in an Australian lycaenid butterfly, Paralucia pyrodiscus lucida Crosby, the Eltham Copper

Abstract :

Paralucia pyrodiscus lucida occurs in several small, discrete urban sites in Eltham, Melbourne, each of only 1-2.5 ha, and surrounded by houses.  The monophagous caterpillars feed nocturnally on foliage of Bursaria spinosa [Pittosporaceae] and pass the days and overwintering period in subterranean nests of Notoncus ants.  After a decade of non-interventionist site management since the butterfly’s rediscovery in 1987, site aging (including canopy closure and weed invasion) has caused concern for the well-being of the Bursaria, as well as social pressures to reduce the amounts of combustible fuel on sites to alleviate risks from accidental wildfire.  A ‘hot burn’ was conducted on two sites in early April 1998.  The rationale, execution and consequences of such high risk management for a notable conservation flagship species are discussed in the broader context of using fire as a management tool for terrestrial invertebrates in southern Australia.

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Keywords:

Conservation, land management, Lycaenidae, succession

Citation :

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