South African Red data book - Butterflies

Abstract

Currently 632 species of butterfly are known to occur within the borders of South Africa. Using the well established IUCN definitions, 102 of these are considered to be exposed to some level of threat, two species as endangered, seven species and subspecies as vulnerable and ninety-one as rare, in addition two species are considered extinct. Thirty-nine species are dealt with as indeterminate due to lack of data; twelve species are treated separately under the heading of non-resident and other species. Distributional details of the species are summarized in tabular form. Each species is dealt with in detail under eight headings: Identification, Distribution, Habitat and Ecology, Status, Threats, Conservation measures, Investigations required (in tabular form) and References. A distribution map indicating details of available records is provided for each species. The non-resident and other species are recorded briefly with available information. This information will hopefully assist the reader in all aspects pertinent to the conservation of the respective taxa. Aspects of insect conservation are outlined together with a comprehensive bibliography.