Inaugural Butterfly and Sun-moth survey training a success – with more workshops coming up!
Our inaugural butterfly and sun-moth survey training session was recently held in Adelaide, and was attended by individuals from various community organisations. This event proved to be an inspiring experience characterised by high levels of engagement and enthusiasm.
On Saturday, November 8th, the Friends of Waite Conservation Reserve, along with several other butterfly enthusiasts, convened at the Gate House in Waite Arboretum. The atmosphere was charged as participants actively engaged with the training materials, posing insightful questions regarding the Pollard Walk and area search techniques. Following an informative session, we proceeded to the reserve, renowned for its diverse butterfly population, to practice our search and counting methodologies. This opportunity facilitated a meaningful connection with nature and the diversity of flora on the site.
The primary objective of this training is to equip participants with the skills necessary to observe and monitor butterflies and sun-moths by designating specific sites for repeated surveys throughout the year. Personally, I have been conducting my survey over an annual five-month period, having adapted my approach to accommodate my work schedule and favourable weather conditions (sunny, calm, and warm days are optimal) each week. Participants have the option to choose between two methodologies: walking a transect for a duration of their preference or selecting a designated area to explore within a focused 15-minute observation window. They may even select a personal location, such as their backyard or a local park. The essential aspect is to remain consistent in the chosen area to ensure reliable observations during the spring and summer months.
While inclement weather posed some challenges on our training day, we were nonetheless gratified to identify the Australian Painted Lady and Common Grass Blue butterflies, which underscored the value of persistence in our efforts.
The following day, we coordinated with the Biology Society of South Australia to run another training session during a volunteer event with the Friends of Black Hill Conservation Park. This workshop was held at Morialta Conservation Park and featured commendable community initiatives, including the planting of riparian vegetation along the creek and the removal of invasive species such as Freesia, Gorse, Blackberry, and Tree Lucerne. It is encouraging to witness our community collaborating to enhance and protect our natural environments.
We are excited to announce the availability of additional training sessions in the Mt Lofty Ranges/Adelaide region scheduled for January. If you have a specific site you wish to monitor, we invite you to participate. Please contact Bryan at to express your interest in these forthcoming sessions.
For Limestone Coast and Western Victorian readers the next training workshop will be held on Friday December 12th from 1pm at the Mt Gambier Public Library with a field trip afterwards to practice the method at Germein Reserve. Please register your interest in attending this session at .
This initiative is proudly supported by Butterfly Conservation SA Inc. and OneFortyOne. Together, let us contribute to the positive appreciation and enhancement of our local butterfly populations.
This project is supported by Butterfly Conservation SA Inc. and One Forty One
