Summary
Victoria is home to 24 threatened butterfly species, 19 of which are listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. Many are in decline, with some on the verge of extinction. Little is known about their distribution, ecology, or population trends, and there are currently no coordinated monitoring programs across the state.
This project aims to change that by inspiring communities to take part in butterfly conservation. Through a series of workshops and surveys, volunteers will be trained in butterfly identification, monitoring, and data collection. The data will be uploaded into iNaturalist and validated records transferred to the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas, building an ongoing, state-wide citizen science program that contributes to real recovery efforts.
Project Strategy
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Deliver five butterfly workshops across Victoria, training volunteers in identification, survey techniques, and use of the iNaturalist app.
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Conduct surveys in key butterfly habitats following each workshop, adding records to biodiversity databases.
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Establish a state-wide “Butterfly Citizen Science” project that will run perpetually beyond the grant period.
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Partner with schools, Landcare networks, Traditional Owners, and community groups to broaden participation and inclusivity.
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Showcase threatened species such as the Eltham Copper, Small Ant-blue, and Large Ant-blue butterflies, as well as Butterfly Community No.1 at Mount Piper.
Key Achievements (expected)
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Launch of the first coordinated statewide citizen science butterfly monitoring program.
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Hundreds of new butterfly records uploaded to biodiversity databases, supporting conservation planning.
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Engagement of a diverse volunteer base, from families to schools, across multiple regions.
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Greater community connection to nature and ownership of threatened species conservation.
Partners
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Threatened Species Conservancy (TSC) – Project leadership
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Parks Victoria
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Friends of Mount Piper
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BEAM Mitchell Environment Group
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Friends of Kooyoora
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Wedderburn Catchment Management Network
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Melbourne University entomologists
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Traditional Owner groups including Taungurung, Wurundjeri, Gunditj Mirring, Eastern Maar, Barengi Gadjin, Wotjobaluk, and Dja Dja Wurrung
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Local schools and Landcare networks
Conservation Status
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Diamond Sand-skipper (Antipodia atralba) – Vulnerable
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Large Ant-blue (Acrodipsas brisbanensis) – Endangered
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Small Ant-blue (Acrodipsas myrmecophila) – Endangered
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Golden-rayed Blue (Candalides noelkeri) – Endangered
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Yellow Sedge-skipper (Hesperilla flavescens) – Endangered
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Western Bright-eyed Brown (Heteronympha cordace wilsoni) – Critically Endangered
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Fiery Jewel (Hypochrysops ignitus ignitus) – Endangered
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Orange Ringlet (Hypocysta adiante) – Regionally Extinct
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Amethyst Hairstreak (Jalmenus icilius) – Endangered
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Genoveva Blue (Ogyris genoveva) – Endangered
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Large Bronze Azure (Ogyris halmaturia) – Critically Endangered
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Small Brown Azure (Ogyris otanes) – Critically Endangered
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Eltham Copper Butterfly (Paralucia pyrodiscus lucida) – Threatened
Costs
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Estimated Cost: $60,000
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Funding Received: $0
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Duration: 4 years
