Jessie Sinclair

Biography:

Biography to come.

Abstract:

Zoos Victoria have undertaken direct conservation actions to support the endangered Golden-rayed Blue butterfly, Candalides noelkeri (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) in the Wimmera region of Victoria. This work was initiated in 2019 as part of the expansion of our ‘Fighting Extinction’ program to include local threatened invertebrates. First described by Braby and Douglas in 2004, this species is Victoria’s only endemic butterfly. It has been severely affected by habitat loss and fragmentation, primarily due to agricultural expansion, as its range is contained within Victoria’s cropping region. Funding for conservation actions for the species have largely been generated through Zoos Victoria’s ‘Totes for Wildlife’ campaign – the sale of tote bags to zoo visitors. Conservation actions for the butterfly are undertaken both on site at our four zoos as well as in the butterfly’s range. The program represents a holistic approach to supporting this species in a heavily modified landscape. Efforts focus on awareness raising, on-ground surveys for new populations, planting of habitat, partnerships in the region, as well as school and community engagement.