Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

 

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

11-2012

Citation

Buchholz Black Dash (Euphyes conspicua buchholzi) A Species Conservation Assessment for The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project. Prepared by Melissa J. Panella, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Wildlife Division, November 2012

Abstract

The primary goal in development of at-risk species conservation assessments is to compile biological and ecological information that may assist conservation practitioners in making decisions regarding the conservation of species of interest. The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project recognizes the Buchholz Black Dash (Euphyes conspicua buchholzi) as a Tier I at-risk species of high conservation priority. The Buchholz Black Dash (BBD) is a subspecies of the Black Dash (Euphyes conspicua). Survival of BBD is likely to be highly influenced by available habitat in Nebraska. Some general management recommendations are made here regarding the BBD; however, conservation practitioners will need to use professional judgment to make specific management decisions based on objectives, location, and a multitude of variables. This resource was designed to share available knowledge of the BBD that will aid in the decision-making process or in identifying research needs to benefit the species. Species conservation assessments should not be stagnant documents but rather will need to be updated as new scientific information becomes available. The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project focuses efforts in the state’s Biologically Unique Landscapes (BULs), but it is recommended that whenever possible, practitioners make considerations for a species throughout its range in order to increase the outcome of successful conservation efforts.

Criteria for selection as Tier I G1

Trends since 2005 in NE Stable

Range in NE Northeastern portion of state

Habitat Wet meadow and spring-fed marsh; larvae feed on wide-leaf sedge; adults in boggy areas

Threats Habitat conversion and fragmentation; exotics; drying up of "wet" areas; housing development; heavy grazing

Climate Change Vulnerability Index: Extremely vulnerable

Research/Inventory Conduct surveys to assess distribution, abundance and population dynamics; determine best management practices

Landscapes Elkhorn Confluence, Elkhorn River Headwaters

BBD State Heritage Status Rank is S1, U.S. national status is N1, and global conservation rank is G4T1 Critically Imperiled (NatureServe 2009). It is one of the rarest marsh skippers in Nebraska. Its survival will likely be highly dependent on actions taken within the state. The Nebraska Natural Legacy Science Team set a goal of maintaining ten populations in the state, assuming there is little movement between populations and fates of populations are not correlated. Moderate viability (40% chance of survival) of each population gives >99% probability of at least one population surviving 100 years (Morris et al. 1999).

Download

Share

COinS