Boulder Copper Butterfly and Canterbury Grassland Skink Project
In 2023 the New Zealand Conservation Trust meet with Environment Canterbury (ECan) to discuss a new project around the Boulder Copper Butterfly and the Canterbury Grassland Skink. Both species at risk and in need of protection in the Canterbury region.
Supporting the Butterfly.
The purpose of this project is to enhance suitable areas that will serve as habitat reserves for the Boulder Copper Butterfly and Canterbury’s grass skinks.
The Muehlenbeckia plant (as pictured above) provided a food source for the Boulder Copper Butterfly, as well as being a host plant for the butterfly to lay its eggs in. The Muehlenbeckia plant would also provide shelter for skinks, as well as exposed rocks that are attractive basking sites.
An area at McLeans Island was identified with the most suitable habitat for both species, where Muehlenbeckia plants are present.
In 2023 the first field trip was held and a number of New Zealand Conservation Trust trustees and members attended. The initial stages of the project would involve weed removal from around the Muehlenbeckia allowing it to spread.
Continuation of the project.
In 2024 Environment Canterbury fenced off the area at McLeans Island - Sophora Track to help protect the area of work with the Muehlenbeckia. More Volunteers headed in to carry out more weeding and some planting was carried out to help enhance the area and provide extra protection.
This project is ongoing and we are excited to see what the next steps are!
