(photo from Government of Canada)

Half-moon hairstreak (Satyrium semiluna)

The Calgary Zoo recently released their plans to collaborate with Parks Canada in a strategy to protect the half-moon hairstreak butterfly. This butterfly species is only found in 9 locations in Canada, one being in Waterton National Park, Alberta. It has been recognized that the half-moon hairstreak is endangered due to a loss of critical habitat. Invasive plant populations and the 2017 Kenow wildfire have also added pressure to their survival.

“The three-year conservation project between the Calgary Zoo and Parks Canada will aim to address knowledge gaps identified in the Species at Risk Recovery Strategy for the half-moon hairstreak. It will also assess how to proceed with conservation translocations for their recovery. Other conservation activities include assessing and restoring the butterfly’s habitat and managing invasive plants.” -Press Release, The Calgary Zoo

The Full Story: Conservation Collaboration is Aflutter