endangered animals

Mitchell's butterfly is one of the many endangered butterflies around the world. It is in close danger to becoming extinct soon, if no one helps out the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's endangered species program. Here's a list of facts on Mitchell's Satyr Butterfly. What is the Mitchell's Satyr Butterfly and what does it look like? Its Scientific Name is " Neonympha mitchellii mitchellii". And it is gorgeous. It is a medium sized butterfly (1 ¾ in") of a rich brownish color with distinctive orange-ringed black circular eyespots, with slivery centers, on the lower parts of the wings. It ranges around the eastern areas. It is one of the most geographically restricted eastern butterflies. In the past, the Satyr butterfly was found in or near New Jersey, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and possibly Maryland. Presently, it can be found in only 13 Mitchell's Satyr Butterfly is restricted to rare wetlands, called FENS, which are low nutrient systems that can receive carbonate-rich ground water from seeps and springs. Reproduction is a big part of any species, endangered or not. Little is known about the satyr's three life stages. The eggs are laid on the young leaves of low, tender plants. They hatch into caterpillars in about a week. Then, these caterpillars grow throughout the year, shedding their skin many times. The fourth stage caterpillar hibernates under the snow to later emerge in the spring and finish it's development. Sadly, but true, the adult butterflies only live for about 2 weeks. What does it eat? Caterpillars usually feed on one or more species of grass-like plants, called sedges. However, the adults never eat or drink. Why is the Mitchell's Satyr Butterfly endangered? The greatest threat to the butterfly is that its habitat is being destroyed. Most of the wetland is what the butterfly depends on for its survival. With it being destroyed, the butterfly is losing its nutrients and agricultural development. Also, the pesticides and pollutants are dangerous to the butterfly. The contamination to the wetlands is posing as a threat to the butterfly's habitat. It is also believed that butterfly collectors eliminated some of the populations to the butterfly. Because the numbers to the butterfly count is low, the collection of even a few individuals could harm the butterfly population. What is being done to prevent its extinction? Firstly, the butterfly has been added to the U.S. List of Endangered & Threatened Wildlife & Plants. It was added on June 25, 1991. Now, it is illegal to harm, harass, collect, or kill the butterfly without a permit from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The U.S. F & W has a recovery plan that explains the actions needed to protect the butterfly and get it off the List of the Endangered Species. Researchers are studying the butterfly to find the best way to manage it and it's habitat. The habitat is being protected on all State, County, and private lands currently. To help support and save the Mitchell's Satyr Butterfly, join a conservation group, or write to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to learn more about endangered species.	Dutch
Written by: Jennie (grade 9)	(geschreven door)
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