Forest Ringlet Butterfly Project

We need your help to save the Forest Ringlet butterfly from disappearing forever!

The Forest Ringlet butterfly is a rare and distinctive butterfly that is only found in New Zealand. Unfortunately, over the past 20 years, it has rapidly declined in numbers to a critical level that may well result in extinction. Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand Trust has decided that something needs to be done about this. We have found an expert who will travel to New Zealand to carry out research to help save this disappearing species.

Steve Wheatley is a Senior Conservation Officer from the Butterfly Conservation in the UK, who will work with NZ entomologists to investigate:

- the causes of the apparent decline

- understanding variables within the butterfly population

- complete information on larval food plants to determine a preference for particular hosts in different areas

- the conditions necessary for mass-breeding

Butterflies are highly important to conservation as they are internationally acknowledged as excellent environmental indicators. This is due to their sensitivity to human-induced environmental change and their close relationship and co-evolution with the plants on which they depend.

Help us raise $5,000 to help accommodate and supply vital equipment for Steve’s research.

Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand Trust is a registered charitable trust, committed to protecting moths, butterflies and their habitats around New Zealand.

Image by Melissa Hutchison