As of last week, two more South Florida natives have joined the list of endangered species, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The populations of the Florida leafwing and Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak, both butterflies that once thrived in the state, have dwindled down to dangerous lows. Additionally, the Service parceled out nearly 5,000 hectares of land in Dade and Monroe counties as “critical habitat” for both species, meaning that the region contains crucial components for the species’ survival.
Unfortunately, land development and controlled burns have progressively destroyed these butterflies’ natural habitats over the years. Pesticides, collector poaching, climate change, and disease have also negatively affected both the leafwing and the hairstreak. While they were once abundant throughout Florida, they are now only found within the Everglades National Park, with the hairstreak population extending very slightly to Big Pine and Deer Key. Though it was initially petitioned to add both species to the endangered list as long ago as 1984, the required evidence of their declining numbers finally came to light last year.
With sea levels continuing to rise near the Keys and wipe out more of the leafwing’s and hairstreak’s natural habitats, now is a critical time for the protection of both species. The 11,000+ acres of critical habitat land in Dade and Monroe contain the pineland croton, a common host plant for the butterflies. Although this region has been designated by the Fish and Wildlife Service, it is not considered a refuge or conservation area; rather, it alerts landowners to the presence and status of the butterflies and helps to focus environmental groups’ conservation efforts.
When you go on one of Wild Florida’s Everglades airboat tours, we hope you’ll get the opportunity to see a Florida leafwing or a Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak in their natural habitats. We believe the conservation of all creatures, large and small, is important for the health of the Everglades area. Book your tour today and get involved by joining local conservation groups!
