Resource requirements of the Black-veined White Butterfly (Aporia crataegi)​ to inform reintroduction in UK

The black-veined-White is an iconic, stunning butterfly which was once found across southern England and South Wales but became extinct in the 1920s. Currently, this species range margins are changing, possibly as a response to climate change and/or habitat change. Bioclimatic models revealed that the projected drying climate in south-eastern Britain is expected to provide condition that are highly suitable for this butterfly, at least until 2050. Therefore, this appears to be a suitable time to attempt a reintroduction of this species in Southern England. However, conservation strategies including re-introductions at local, regional and national levels, can be particularly effective only if species resource requirements are known and can be maintained within landscapes.

Building on previous research on the habitat requirements of the Black-veined White in its current range we aim to compare habitat and climatic conditions associated with butterfly populations in Normandy and selected habitat in England, to inform a proposed reintroduction project in southwest England. This project is led by Ambios Ltd, a Devon-based not-for-profit Nature Conservation Training organisation, who lead the working group and manage the potential reintroduction sites.
The Black-veined White reintroduction in the UK would provide an exemplar flagship species to promote conservation actions, rewilding and agri-environmental schemes in parts of the UK.