Rare blue butterfly sighted in Scotland as habitat restoration yield results
Rare blue butterfly sighted in Scotland as habitat restoration yield results
London
Britain’s smallest resident butterfly, the rare blue butterfly has been sighted in Scotland, all thanks to habitat restoration efforts at Barry Buddon Military training area, Angus.
Notably, the small blue butterfly having slivery-grey underwings with blue spots is declining in almost all areas of Britain.
UK’s Ministry of Defence has started a conservation project at Barry Buddon Training Area in Angus, Scotland to restore its habitats.
And this has resulted in the elusive blue butterfly species being spotted flying at Angus in Scotland.
It is worth noting that the butterfly is a priority species on the Scottish Biodiversity List and efforts are being made to restore their habitats.
The efforts at Angus were led by Defence Infrastructure Organisation ecologists, industry partner, Landmarc and Butterfly Conservation Charity.
The project included the creation of feeding corridors the species’ sole food source, the plant Kidney Vetch.
The organizations have planted Kidney Vetch along roads and track verges to restore connectivity between breeding colonies to boost its populations.
Commenting on the development, UK Minister of State for Defence, Baroness Goldie said sightings of blue butterfly in Scotland is wonderful news.
It ‘demonstrates our commitment to maintaining and improving biodiversity on our estates’.
This ‘shows how we can effectively conduct training for our Armed Forces whilst taking care of our environment’ and deliver on biodiversity commitments.’
“I strongly support work being done to minimise our impact on the environment and optimise environmental potential whilst keeping our nation safe,” he added.
The butterfly population has reportedly witnessed a decline since the 1950s.
