A team of researchers from the University of Guelph, in collaboration with conservation organisations and government agencies, is leading a $2.4 million project to save three endangered and at-risk butterfly species across Canada.

The three butterfly species were identified as the Mottled Duskywing, the Frosted Elfin and the very rare Curiously Isolated Hairstreak following a previous successful butterfly reintroduction by Dr Ryan Norris, an ecologist, who is also part of the latest project. 

University of Guelph news reported that the project which is being funded by the NSERC Alliance–Society Grant is bringing together the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory, Wildlife Preservation Canada, the Wilder Institute at the Calgary Zoo, Parks Canada, Ontario Parks and other conservation agencies. 

The coordinated recovery of the three butterfly species would mark a potential first for Canada, with the development of a multi-species framework for insect conservation. One of the species Frosted Elfin has not been seen in Canada since the early 1990s. 

Additionally, the team will carry out strengthening of the sole remaining population of the curiously Isolated Hairstreak, a newly identified species restricted to a small area of southern Alberta.

Commenting on the project, Mr Norris said the recovery of the butterflies was the first step towards protecting the ecosystem. 

“These butterflies aren’t as recognizable as monarch butterflies, and most Canadians have probably never heard of them. But they can tell us a great deal about the health of the ecosystems they depend on. Successfully restoring and strengthening these populations is a major step towards rewilding important habitats in Canada.

“We’re at risk of losing not only these butterflies, but also the rare habitats they depend on and the many other species those habitats support. Recovering the butterflies therefore becomes part of a much larger effort to protect and restore these ecosystems,” the researcher said.