Prairie Butterfly Species at Risk

Summary

North America’s prairies are among the most endangered ecosystems in the world, with 99% of tall grass prairie habitats having been lost. Between habitat loss and climate change, many butterflies reliant on these habitats are under serious threat. We developed a species distribution model for the Poweshiek skipperling. We also took the rare step of developing a system to verify the accuracy of the model in the field so that it can be confidently used to support reintroduction and management of this critically endangered species. Ongoing work is being led by the lab of Dr. Richard Westwood at the University of Winnipeg alongside the Manitoba Zoo to engage in experimental reintroduction of the Poweshiek skipperling as well as expand our modelling methods and approach to other endangered prairie butterfly species.