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October 2, 2025

Research and conservation plan for the Waterberg Copper (Erikssonia edgei Gardiner & Terblanche, 2010) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) at the Bateleur Nature Reserve

Key Points

The discovery of a new population of erikssonia edgei indicates a potential for successful conservation efforts.
Fieldwork conducted between 2013-2014 has informed the interim conservation plan for this critically endangered butterfly.
Bateleur Nature Reserve serves as a promising habitat for erikssonia edgei, highlighting the importance of habitat preservation.
Collaboration between LepSoc and Bateleur Nature Reserve owner showcases a multi-stakeholder approach to conservation.

Abstract

Erikssonia edgei Gardiner & Terblanche no longer occurs at its type locality on the Tilodi Game Farm in the Waterberg, despite the presence of its known host plant and seemingly favourable veld conditions. New localities for E. edgei have been discovered at the Bateleur Nature Reserve (BNR) 50 km south by Mark and Tildie Williams, and this provides a valuable opportunity to study and protect this critically endangered butterfly. An interim conservation plan has been established jointly by the Lepidopterists’ Society of Africa (LepSoc) and the owner of BNR. The results obtained from field work completed during 2013-2014 are presented and ongoing research projects are outlined.

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Research and conservation plan for the Waterberg Copper (Erikssonia edgei Gardiner & Terblanche, 2010) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) at the Bateleur Nature Reserve

Key Points

Abstract

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