Bulloak Jewel Butterfly Project
Macintyre Ag Alliance has partnered with a small group of dedicated farmers east of Goondiwindi to safeguard the future of a critically endangered species of butterfly.
MAA secured a Community Sustainability Action Grant of $99,659 from Round 4 of the Threatened Species Recovery and Resilience category to fund “Building Corridors for the Bulloak Jewel Butterfly” over 2021-2024.
The project has extended and improved habitat for the butterfly and associated species within a corridor connecting the Bendidee State Forest and National Park, one of only two locations where the species has been confirmed since 2000.
The project was hosted by four Goondiwindi landholders on the adjoining properties ‘Dunworrie’, ‘Bonyi’, ‘Kerimbilla’ and ‘Terella’, all of whom are heavily involved in conservation and have a long history of association with Macintyre Ag Alliance.
Macintyre Ag Alliance President Bryan Lahey said the Bulloak Jewel Butterfly has suffered tremendous habitat declines due to extensive clearing and selective logging of large bulloak trees, and is now on the verge of extinction.
“The best way to support this imperilled butterfly is to ensure a large and diverse breeding and foraging habitat. This project has rehabilitated five plots to their remnant state as ‘stepping stones’ for the butterfly, through bulloak and butterfly food species planting, and managing intrusive pine species, invasive grasses and feral animals,” Bryan said.
The project also included two field days and school trips, and involvement from the QMDCL Inglewood Aboriginal Rangers.
Bryan said opportunities to extend and improve the butterfly’s habitat are only available on private land, meaning community involvement and investment is vital for the persistence of this species in the future.
“For long term protection, the Bulloak Jewel Butterfly requires a local community knowledgeable of its plight and invested in its stewardship. We thank Viv and Ray Cranney, Jacky Cranney, Bill and Tom Cranney and Judy and Kim Felton-Taylor for the mammoth task they have undertaken on this critical ecological work,” Bryan said.
