How many marsh fritillary butterflies are left in Goričko?
At the beginning of May, butterfly experts from the Centre for Cartography of Fauna and Flora, carried out the research to estimate population size of the marsh fritillary population in Goričko. The research was carried out on wet meadows in the eastern and northern part of Goričko, where marsh fritillary habitats were recorded in the past. The main aim of the research was with the mark-release-recapture method to estimate the absolute size of the marsh fritillary population within Natura 2000 site Goričko.
Field work included catching all specimens of the marsh fritillary with the help of a net and marking each caught butterfly with a number on its wings, and than releasing it. It is a method for which butterfly experts obtain a special permit. Unfortunately, the research was interrupted because of several days of rainfall. The butterflies stopped with the reproducing and laying of the eggs on the leaves of the Devils-bit scabious.
№ 52 (photo: M. Podletnik)
In addition, through research, key meadows were identify as the key habitats for this endangered butterfly. To improve habitat conditions we will sign conservation agreements with the land owners, which will for a fee, implement conservation measures like sensitive approach to the conservation of caterpillar nests.
