Conservation Lessons from long-term studies of Checkerspot Butterflies

Abstract

Abstract: Long‐term studies of checkerspot butterflies (Euphydryas spp.) are used to draw conservation lessons with implications for the design and management of reserves for invertebrates We discuss; The importance of determining the structure of and patterns of mating within demographic units The lack of congruence between migration and gene flow. The crucial role of habitat diversity in the protection of species which otherwise require only small areas of habitat The importance of identaDing and preserving “reservoir” populations within metapopulations The necessity of identifying subtle habitat requirements The key role of environmental stochasticity in the extinction of small populations. The difficulty of protecting metapopulations and of in ‐hoducing populations into “empty” habitat patches We conclude, among other things, that the size of reserves required to preserve herbivorous insects is often underestimated; that a “minimum viable metapopulation” approach to their conservation may be needed; that long‐term studies of the biology of populations of sample invertebrate groups would greatly aid conservation biologists; and that more effort is needed to inform the public and decision makers about the need to conserve populations as well as species.

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