Study

Population dynamics and the importance of habitat management for conservation of the butterfly Lopinga achine

  • Published source details Bergman K.O. (2001) Population dynamics and the importance of habitat management for conservation of the butterfly Lopinga achine. Journal of Applied Ecology, 38, 1303-1313.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Clear or open patches in forests

Action Link
Butterfly and Moth Conservation
  1. Clear or open patches in forests

    A replicated, controlled, before-and-after study in 1992–1997 in 18 deciduous woods in Östergötland, Sweden (Bergman 2001) found that clearing new woodland glades increased the population size of woodland brown Lopinga achine butterflies in five out of six woods. Over 4–5 years after glades were created, the population of woodland brown increased by 93–97% in five woods where glades were created, but decreased by 19–25% in nine woods where no glades were created. However, in a sixth wood cleared later, the population decreased by 27% in the first two years after glades were created, compared to a 9% decrease over the same time period in three other woods where no glades were created. The authors noted that populations only occurred at sites with >60% canopy cover, but sites with 70–75% canopy cover had the highest population density. From 1992–1995, irregularly-shaped glades (10–30 m long) were created in six woodlands (20 in one wood, and 5–6 in each of the others). Where possible, the longest side had a south-west to north-east orientation to maximize sun exposure. In July 1992–1997, the adult population size of woodland brown butterflies was estimated in six woods where glades were created, and in 12 woods where no glades had been created.

    (Summarised by: Andrew Bladon)

Output references
What Works 2021 cover

What Works in Conservation

What Works in Conservation provides expert assessments of the effectiveness of actions, based on summarised evidence, in synopses. Subjects covered so far include amphibians, birds, mammals, forests, peatland and control of freshwater invasive species. More are in progress.

More about What Works in Conservation

Download free PDF or purchase
The Conservation Evidence Journal

The Conservation Evidence Journal

An online, free to publish in, open-access journal publishing results from research and projects that test the effectiveness of conservation actions.

Read the latest volume: Volume 21

Go to the CE Journal

Discover more on our blog

Our blog contains the latest news and updates from the Conservation Evidence team, the Conservation Evidence Journal, and our global partners in evidence-based conservation.


Who uses Conservation Evidence?

Meet some of the evidence champions

Endangered Landscape ProgrammeRed List Champion - Arc Kent Wildlife Trust The Rufford Foundation Save the Frogs - Ghana Mauritian Wildlife Supporting Conservation Leaders
Sustainability Dashboard National Biodiversity Network Frog Life The international journey of Conservation - Oryx Cool Farm Alliance UNEP AWFA Bat Conservation InternationalPeople trust for endangered species Vincet Wildlife Trust