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Sightings of Kalgoorlie’s arid bronze azure butterfly have not been recorded in 13 years and Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) scientists are appealing to the public for help to identify if it still exists.
The butterfly, that was last sighted in a restricted area of mixed mallee woodland about 12 kilometres south-west of Kalgoorlie, was identified as a separate species to the widespread large bronze azure.
Discovered in 1982, the attractive butterfly may already be facing the endangered list if it is not already extinct and scientists, who are trying to establish that classification, are appealing to the public to report sightings.
The appeal is being made through an article in the latest edition of LANDSCOPE, WA's multi award-winning conservation, parks and wildlife magazine produced by CALM.
Celebrating 20 years of publication, the Summer 2005-06 edition features a colourful front cover illustration of wildflowers at Cape Naturaliste lighthouse.
The latest edition focuses on some of the extraordinary orchids of the State’s south-west, the biological and geological diversity of the Turquoise Coast, the history of sister lighthouses of Cape Leeuwin and Naturaliste and the amazing array of life forms of the ocean’s seagrass meadows.
For the first time, the elusive and critically endangered western ground parrot was photographed late last year and is featured in LANDSCOPE with an article highlighting the two-year recovery project.
Western Australia’s white-tailed black cockatoos are also highlighted through another article emphasising the importance of the new Cockatoo Care program that will research the distribution and ecology of the birds, enhance habitat through planting and nest box installation, research the impact of feral honey bees and provide community education and involvement.
Available from newsagents, book shops, visitor centres and CALM offices, LANDSCOPE costs $6.95.
LANDSCOPE is also available by subscription online at http://www.naturebase.net.
Media contact: CALM Media Relations, (08) 9289 8644 or 0408 926 026.
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