The Status of the Schaus Swallowtail and the Bahama Swallowtail Butterflies in Biscayne National Park
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Material Information

Title:
The Status of the Schaus Swallowtail and the Bahama Swallowtail Butterflies in Biscayne National Park Report M-649
Creator:
South Florida Natural Resources Center/South Florida Research Center, Everglades National Park
William F. Loftus
James A. Kushlan
Place of Publication:
Homestead
Florida
Publisher:
National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior
Publication Date:

Notes

Abstract:
Surveys of the Schaus swallowtail and Bahama swallowtail butterflies, both federally-listed threatened species, were undertaken during 1979 and 1980. The survey was continued by Biscayne National Park personnel during 1981. Transects were routinely monitored on several keys in Biscayne National Park to determine the numbers of adults present, to delineate the emergence season and distribution, and to identify factors which affect their status. The population size of the Schaus swallowtail on the keys was small during 1979 and 1980, but adults were widely distributed in suitable habitat. Emergence season was similar in both years, otcurring from late April to late June. Numbers of the Schaus swallowtail were lower on the 1981 surveys, and the emergence period seemed to be retarded. The Bahama swallowtail was not observed during the surveys, and its existence in the Biscayne National Park is doubtful. Data on cohabiting lepidopterans was collected and is presented here. It is recommended that the Bahama swallowtail be deleted from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Species because recent evidence of an established breeding population is lacking. If the present trends in range contraction and decline in population size continue, the Schaus swallowtail should be elevated from threatened to endangered species status. Future research recommendations for the Schaus slvallowtail include the establishment of a captive breeding stock, reintroduction into suitable habitats in the Florida Keys, continued surveys of existing colonies, and an investigation of the effects of environmental, biotic, and human factors on all life stages of this species. ( English )

Record Information

Source Institution:
Florida International University
Holding Location:
South Florida Natural Resource Center
Rights Management:
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Resource Identifier:
I 29.95:M-649 ( sudoc )