Marsh fritillary highly endangered
In August, the Centre for Cartography of Fauna and Flora (CKFF), as part of the Gorička krajina project, conducted an inventory, which will serve as a basis for concluding conservation agreements for the protection of the marsh fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia) and also as a basis for monitoring the effectiveness of conservation measures. The inventory was carried out at 14 selected locations within the Natura 2000 site Goričko on extensively used meadows with a caterpillar food plant - the Devils-bit scabious (Succisa pratensis).
The marsh fritillary is widespread in Europe, but rare and threatened by the disappearance of meadows on poor soils. The upper side of the wings of this medium-sized butterfly is orange and brown mottled, and the lower side is lighter with several dark dots. In early summer, adult butterflies can be seen flying predominately on wet meadows. The caterpillars live in groups within so called nests (silk cocoons just above the ground).
Marsh fritillary was found only in Motvarjevci within the area of the valuable nature feature. Based on the number of the nests found, 21, experts estimate the size of the population at 300 to 400 individuals. More accurate estimate will be given after a census of the butterfly in 2019. In the mentioned area of Motvarjevci, it is crucial to conclude conservation agreements to improve the butterfly habitat. It also makes sense to implement conservation measures in the eastern and northern part of Goričko in the vicinity of Hungarian populations. Interested owners will be asked whether they would be willing to engage in conservation measures and implement a special regime for the use of meadows in exchange for payment. The CKFF will continue with its inventories in the coming years and monitor the effectiveness of the implemented measures in the areas where conservation agreements will be concluded.
