A highly-endangered species on the edge: distribution, habitat use and outlook for Colias myrmidone in newly established Natura 2000 areas in Romania.

Abstract

Romania is one of the last strongholds of the Danube Clouded Yellow (Colias myrmidone), which is the most critically endangered and rapidly declining butterfly species in Europe. Recently, three Natura 2000 sites were established for its conservation. Knowledge gaps of the ecology and the underlying drivers for decline and extinction of the species hinder the development and implementation of suitable management plans. Here, we approached this conservation dilemma from two perspectives. Firstly, we related C. myrmidone occurrence to habitat characteristics. Secondly, we investigated the social-ecological conditions in two Natura 2000 sites in Romania. We synthesize insights from these holistic investigations and derive management recommendations. Management in occupied sites contained a mixture of small-scale, extensively used parcels with larger extensively grazed pastures interspersed with other semi-natural elements. In general, people appreciated conservation efforts for the butterfly but were concerned about restrictions that may narrow their activities and their economic benefits. Locals observe and expect further land use changes in the area, which may threaten C. myrmidone in Romania. Fostering viability of humans and butterflies in Romania integrates scientific knowledge and people into management decisions. In our study areas, however, exclusively top-down approaches were applied in the past and functioning ways of co-management need to be established. Most importantly, the sustainability of C. myrmidone in Europe requires coordination with alternative EU-subsidy schemes and sufficient financial support for the maintenance of traditional and ecologically feasible management.