One spot I enjoy visiting is the Karner Blue Sanctuary owned and managed by Lambton Wildlife Inc. The site is part of the Port Franks Wetlands and Forested Dunes Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI). The sanctuary was the last known site where the Karner Blue (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) butterfly occurred in the province; a population which disappeared in the late 1980's. What is encouraging is that the site is actively managed to support oak savannah habitat, and specific to the Karner Blue, populations of Wild Lupine (Lupinus perennis). As the host plant for this species, no lupine, no butterfly. There has been discussion about reintroduction of the Karner Blue to kickstart a self-sustaining population.
A walk through the site in the spring is rewarding for the botanically inclined, swaths of Wild Lupine can be found among the rolling dune landscape.
Recently sprouted Yellow Lady-slipper (Cypripedium parviflorum) catch your eye here and there.
Other butterfly host plants such as Narrow-leaved New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus herbaceus) are relatively abundant in this well-managed habitat. Regular prescribed burns help to keep the canopy somewhat open which provides perfect conditions for this small shrub which is the host plant of the Mottled Duskywing (Erynnis martialis) butterfly. My co-worker Jessica Linton recently authored the Ontario Recovery Strategy for this species; I see it was last documented in the Port Franks area between 1993-2003.
Herein presents a problem with prescribed burning to maintain the savannah in that a high risk exists in carrying out burns which could easily wipe out small populations of Mottled Duskywing larva which tend to overwinter in curled up leaves. The balance of managing habitats for rare species without harming the small populations of rare species themselves can be challenging to say the least.
Off to Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica early Friday, some colourful updates to come I'm sure!
I often stop at the Karner Blue Sanctuary, as it is a neat place. Lots to see there, and an excellent place for several species of duskywing. I have never seen Mottled yet though. The last couple of years the place has been getting quite overgrown and could use a good burn. I've noticed less Wild Lupine. There are pros and cons of course.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good spot to get a handle on Duskywing ID, I'm still learning and certainly find them a challenge. Thanks for the comment Blake.
DeleteThe KBS is a fascinating place isn't it. I've got a bit of a history with that place and the entire ANSI, along with the conundrum of prescribed burns, which I will try and get around to sending you in an email......it is too long to get into here, as I did a presentation on the role of fire, its use (and sometimes mis-use) in various ecosystems in southern Ontario.
ReplyDeleteHave a great time in Costa Rica! It is a wonderful place to spend some time, especially during our winter!