Speakers:

Rebecca Chuck, Deputy Project Leader, Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex

David Thomson, Restoration Ecologist, USFWS Newport Field Office

Sam Derrenbacher, Wildlife Biologist, USFWS Newport Field Office

Topic: Nestucca Bay NWR: Research and Restoration Intertwine to Save an Imperiled Butterfly 

The Oregon Silverspot Butterfly (OSB) was federally listed as a threatened species in 1980. Although its historic range followed the coastline from Lake Earl, California to Westport, Washington, the current population inhabits less than 100 acres in just 4 locations in Oregon. Today, many federal, state and private land partners work together to restore habitat and help this imperiled butterfly recover from the brink of extinction. The steps to restoring the imperiled butterfly’s habitat seem simple – secure the habitat, manage non-native and native plants to increase appropriate adult nectar and larval host plants, create the microclimate conditions the butterfly needs to successfully complete its life cycle, release the species into the prepared habitat, and Voila! Restoration. But, after 40 years of work we can confidently say it’s not that simple.

There are still many unknowns about the life history of OSB and its habitat requirements – from what the larvae need for survival, to adult fitness in the face of climate change. And we are still figuring out how to feasibly manage the habitats they require. Without an understanding of these questions, OSB recovery is impossible. Current research has begun to answer a few of these questions including (1) Adult behaviors and dispersal distances, (2) Female oviposition preference habitat, (3) Larval survival and micro-habitat requirements. With each of these life history questions answered, we can begin to understand the habitat quality and connectivity necessary for each life stage to ensure that our land management efforts are successful for the butterfly’s recovery.