A dedicated reserve for conservation of two species of Synemon (Lepidoptera: Castniidae) in Australia

Published source details Douglas F. (2004) A dedicated reserve for conservation of two species of Synemon (Lepidoptera: Castniidae) in Australia. Journal of Insect Conservation, 8, 221-228.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Legally protect habitat Action Link

Legally protect habitat

A study in 1999–2004 in a grassland in Victoria, Australia (Douglas 2004) reported that a newly protected reserve continued to support populations of golden sun-moth Synemon plana and pale sun-moth Synemon selene. From 1999–2003, around 150–200 golden sun-moths, and 10–15 pale sun-moths, were recorded each year in a recently designated reserve. In February 1999, three Nhill morphs of the pale sun-moth were found on a 4.5-ha grassland known to support the golden sun-moth. The area had never been ploughed or fertilized, but had been sold to 10 separate owners for development. In 2000, the area was designated as a local reserve, and protected from development or human activities under a regional planning scheme. By 2003, most of the land had been purchased. From 2000–2004, information boards, signage and fencing were constructed. Most of the area was mown to 6–8 cm annually, normally in December. From 1999–2004, the number of each species of moth was recorded annually at the site.

(Summarised by: Andrew Bladon)