Current status
The Adonis blue breeds in unimproved calcareous grassland, especially steep, south-facing chalk downland, where its larval food plant, horseshoe vetch Hippocrepis comosa, grows in a short, heavily grazed turf. It has two generations a year, with adults flying in May/early June and again, usually in larger numbers, in August and September.
The Adonis blue is a highly restricted species which occurs chiefly in Dorset, Wiltshire and the Isle of Wight, with a few colonies in Sussex, Surrey, Buckinghamshire and Kent. The species underwent a rapid decline in range, estimated at 90%, in the 1950s following a decline in stock grazing on unimproved pasture and the loss of rabbits due to myxomatosis. The species became extinct in the 19th century in Cambridge, Essex, and Suffolk, while recent extinctions have occurred in Buckinghamshire (1980s), Bedfordshire (c1960), Hertfordshire (c1960), Hampshire (apart from one site on Dorset/Hampshire border, 1990s), Gloucestershire (1963) and Somerset (1963). Since the late 1970s there has been a partial recovery due to an increase in grazing, associated primarily with the recovery in rabbit numbers and increases in stock grazing, often for conservation. However, the Adonis blue is a highly sedentary species, and its recovery is hindered by the fragmentation and isolation of its calcareous grassland habitat. Recent records suggest that there are approximately 250 populations in 272 tetrads. The Adonis blue is widespread but declining in Europe and occurs across central Europe from Spain to the Ukraine.
In Great Britain this species is classified as Nationally Scarce. It is given protection under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, with respect to sale only.
Current factors causing loss or decline
Inappropriate grazing intensity due to changes in stocking rates and fluctuations in rabbit populations.
Loss of unimproved calcareous grasslands and fragmentation of remaining habitat.
Current action
A species action plan, grant-aided by CCW, NE, SNH and WWF, was published by Butterfly Conservation in 1997.
Conservation management is being implemented on several nature reserves and SSSIs, and under agri-environment schemes within the South Downs and South Wessex Downs ESAs and through Countryside Stewardship Scheme agreements.
There have been recent surveys to assess the butterfly`s status in some parts of its range.
Action plan objectives and targets
Maintain existing populations, concentrating on a network of sites that contain at least some large populations.
Restore populations to the 1970/82 distribution by 2010, using reintroductions if necessary.
Proposed actions with lead agencies
Policy and legislation
Where appropriate, include the requirements of the Adonis blue when preparing or revising prescriptions for agri environment schemes. (ACTION: NE, MAFF)
Site safeguard and management
Ensure that the habitat requirements of the Adonis blue are taken into account in relevant development policies, plans and proposals affecting any site supporting large populations of the species. (ACTION: NE, LAs)
Where possible, ensure that all occupied habitat is appropriately managed by 2008, for example through SSSI or agri-environment scheme management agreements. (ACTION: NE, MAFF)
Where possible, increase the available habitat at known sites and in adjacent areas, and attempt to link up existing fragments of habitat. (ACTION: NE, MAFF)
Ensure that the species is included in site management documents for all relevant SSSIs. (ACTION: NE)
Consider notifying as SSSIs sites holding key populations of the species where this is necessary to secure their long-term protection and appropriate management. (ACTION: NE)
Species management and protection
Consider reintroductions into suitably restored habitat, if beyond the limits of natural spread. (ACTION: NE)
Advisory
Advise landowners and managers of the presence of the species and the importance of beneficial management for its conservation. (ACTION: NE, MAFF)
As far as possible, ensure that all relevant agri-environment project officers, and members of regional agri-environment consultation groups, are advised of locations of this species, its importance, and the management needed for its conservation. (ACTION: NE, MAFF)
Future Research and Monitoring
Undertake further surveys to determine the status of the species. (ACTION: NE)
Collate population monitoring data and management data from all monitored sites annually, and calculate an annual index to compare trends on individual sites. Review and extend the network if necessary. (ACTION: NE, JNCC)
Conduct targeted autecology research, including the possible impact of RVHD (rabbit viral haemorrhagic disease) and other new rabbit viruses, the relationship with ants and the structure of metapopulations, in order to inform habitat management. (ACTION: NE, DETR)
Pass information gathered during survey and monitoring of this species to a central database for incorporation in national and international databases.(ACTION: NE)
Communications and Publicity
Promote opportunities for the appreciation of this butterfly and its habitat, and the measures being taken to conserve them, possibly through the production of a booklet. (ACTION: NE)
Links with other action plans
None given.
Publication details
Originally published in: UK Biodiversity Group Tranche 2 Action Plans - Volume IV: Invertebrates (March 1999, Tranche 2, Vol IV, p359)
Related links
ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to this species