There’s a very good chance of recovery for most species – if their habitat is protected
It might sound like an 18th century fashion statement but the “pale imperial hairstreak” is actually an extravagant butterfly. This pale blue (male) or white (female) butterfly was once widespread, found in old growth brigalow woodlands that covered 14m hectares across Queensland and New South Wales.
More than 90% of brigalow woodlands have been cleared and much of the remainder is in small, degraded and weed-infested patches. And the butterfly’s numbers have dropped dramatically.