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Eastern Bronze Azure Conservation Project

Projects • Invertebrates

Summary

The Eastern Bronze Azure (Ogyris halmaturia) is one of Australia’s most imperilled butterflies and is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Its entire range is restricted to southern Australia, with key populations impacted by habitat loss, fire, and climate change. The 2019–20 Kangaroo Island bushfires may have devastated much of its habitat, yet almost nothing is known about its current distribution or breeding ecology.

This project will deliver crucial conservation actions to determine whether the species still persists, secure its ant-dependent breeding sites, and inform urgent recovery efforts. Without intervention, this butterfly may quietly disappear.

 

Project Strategy

  • Conduct surveys in Ngarkat Conservation Park and other priority sites to determine whether the species survives in Victoria and South Australia.

  • Collaborate with experts to create a recovery network and increase survey effort across Kangaroo Island and Eyre Peninsula.

  • Trial novel survey methods using conservation detection dogs to locate the butterfly’s host ants (Camponotus terebrans), providing a reliable way to find breeding sites.

  • Share findings with land managers, including updated action statements and fire management recommendations.

  • Build long-term monitoring frameworks and capacity for future recovery planning.

Key Achievements (expected)

  • First coordinated survey effort for Eastern Bronze Azure across its historic range.

  • Recovery network established, enabling collaboration between ecologists, Traditional Owners, universities, and land managers.

  • Novel ant-detection survey methods trialled to support butterfly conservation.

  • New data provided to managers to improve habitat protection and fire planning.

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Partners

  • Threatened Species Conservancy (TSC) – Project leadership and delivery

  • Flinders University – Invertebrate research and conservation expertise

  • Parks Australia and land management agencies – Technical and site support

  • Traditional Owners, local volunteers, and community partners – On-ground support and monitoring


 

Conservation Status

Eastern Bronze Azure (Ogyris halmaturia) – Endangered (IUCN Red List)

 

Costs

  • Estimated Cost: $25,000 per annum 

  • Funding Received: $0

  • Duration: 4 years


 

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Abi Smith

Abi Smith is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Threatened Species Conservancy (TSC). A highly respected fauna ecologist, Abi brings over 20 years of experience in threatened species recovery, wildlife management, and habitat restoration.