Hairy Hungarian hogs have been enlisted to help preserve the habitat of the UK's most endangered butterfly. Conservationists are employing curly-haired Mangalitsa pigs and English Longhorn cattle as “living lawnmowers” at a National Trust site in Exmoor, Devon, to foster optimal breeding conditions for the high brown fritillary butterfly. This innovative approach highlights the vital role that livestock can play in ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation.
The high brown fritillary, once common across England and Wales, has seen a drastic decline in its population since the 1960s due to habitat development and changing land management practices. Today, it is found only in a few locations, making efforts to restore its habitat crucial. By utilizing these unique breeds of livestock, conservationists aim to reverse this trend while also promoting the growth of essential plants that cater to the butterfly’s lifecycle.
This project is a prime example of how ecological initiatives can blend agriculture with conservation efforts. The use of livestock to manage land not only supports wildlife but also promotes sustainable farming practices. By creating a symbiotic relationship between agriculture and nature, we can protect endangered species like the high brown fritillary while also benefiting the environment.
What You Will Learn
- The role of livestock in habitat restoration for endangered species.
- How conservation efforts can integrate agricultural practices.
- Key facts about the high brown fritillary butterfly and its decline.
- Innovative approaches by conservationists to revive endangered populations.
