Save the Forest Ringlet!!!

$417 of $7,000 goal

Given by 11 generous donors in one year

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Help save a rare New Zealand butterfly species from disappearing forever.

Nationwide

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We need your help to save the forest ringlet butterfly (Dodonidia helmsii) from disappearing forever! Check out the images in the Gallery.

The forest ringlet butterfly is a rare and distinctive butterfly that is only found in NZ, a NZ icon. Unfortunately, over the past 22 years, it has rapidly declined in numbers to a critical level that may well result in extinction.

The Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand Trust are doing something about this.

In phase one of the project we brought an international expert to New Zealand to research the species and to see if we could identify what was causing the decline.

Now we are raising awareness of the species with trampers or anyone who goes out in the wild areas so we can identify more habitat. We have permission from DOC and iwi to collect eggs and larvae, to establish captive breeding colonies and where possible, release into the wild.

About us

The Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand Trust is a registered charity committed to protecting butterflies, moths and their habitats across New Zealand.

Use of funds

1. Production of posters

2. Travel to distribute posters, collect eggs and larvae, identify threats

3. Development of a breeding house and breeding programme

Latest update

It's all very exciting!!! 5 April 2023

We are working on a very exciting initiative which will go live in three weeks. As you have previously supported our cause we thought we'd give you a hint that this is about to happen...

We will keep you posted - but most of all, we want you to know how much your support is helping us make a difference for NZ's butterflies and moths.

Wouldn't it be amazing if we once saw our beautiful forest ringlets thriving as the coppers are in this little video clip.

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