Nestled within Lebanon County lies the Fort Indiantown Gap military base, home to the last surviving population of the eastern regal fritillary butterfly. This majestic creature, sought after by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for endangered status, is on the brink of extinction, calling for urgent conservation efforts to ensure its survival.
Once flourishing across the eastern United States, the regal fritillary’s numbers have dwindled over the years due to the loss of its natural grassland habitats. Today, the eastern regal fritillary finds refuge in a single habitat at the National Guard installation, making it vital to protect this environment for the species’ survival.
Collaborating with biologists, the Pennsylvania National Guard and the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veteran Affairs have been dedicated to preserving and managing the grassland habitat at Fort Indiantown Gap. With climate change and drought posing additional threats to the butterfly’s rare environment, efforts to expand its range to new locations hinge on safeguarding its existing home.
The eastern regal fritillary, resembling a monarch butterfly in size, boasts a distinctive appearance with its vivid orange forewings and dark hindwings. From laying eggs in late summer to feeding on nectar in adulthood, the butterfly’s lifecycle is intricately tied to native violet species for survival.
To sustain the species, wildlife officials conduct prescribed burns, population surveys, and captive rearing programs at Fort Indiantown Gap. Guided tours of the butterfly’s habitat are held in the summer to raise awareness among the public about conservation efforts.
Recently, Fort Indiantown Gap formalized its commitment to preserving the species through a partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A $1 million grant from the U.S. Army will aid in a long-term conservation plan, including the establishment of a new population of the eastern regal fritillary in collaboration with Temple University researchers and the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
With over 1,300 endangered or threatened species in the U.S., the Endangered Species Act of 1973 plays a crucial role in protecting vulnerable wildlife. The proposed listings of the eastern and western regal fritillaries aim to bolster their conservation efforts and ensure their survival for future generations.
As the public comment period continues, the fate of these magnificent creatures lies in the hands of conservationists and nature enthusiasts alike. Let us join hands to protect and preserve the eastern regal fritillary, a symbol of nature’s beauty and resilience.