The first Mass Release of Harlequin pupae was carried out today on 2 sites , a total of 200+ pupae are in the wild .These pupae should eclosed within the next 48 hours, and it will be up to Mr and Mrs Harlequin to propagate naturally on these 2 sites. More Mass releases have been planned and will be conducted on other selected sites in the coming months.
This conclude the main part of our first attempt in ex situ butterfly conservation which stretched over a period of 20 months: From hostplant identification, monitoring of population statistic, habitat monitoring/observation, selection of new habitat , collection of adults, harvesting of eggs, mass breeding risk management , the caring and breeding from eggs to pupae/ butterfly in a mass scale. With the conclusion of this part of the project we are now better equipped in future for in situ or ex situ butterfly conservation.
We will be moving to the follow up plan which comprises of regular visits to check how they fair in these new habitats, and where necessary and practical to reinforce their presence on these sites.
:cheers: