In 2014 a group of EIG members visited the area in July with Greek butterfly expert Lazaros Pamperis. They identified 99 species (several of European conservation concern), adding 19 to the list of previously recorded known species in the park. This has added valuable scientific knowledge, to help raise the importance of conservation of the park and its habitats.
Greenwings, who host numerous butterfly trips, are facilitating the fresh survey tour on behalf of EIG and it is hoped that this year’s visit will serve two purposes. Firstly, we hope to add to the knowledge of butterfly species present in the park and by going earlier in the year we should pick up on those that are on the wing earlier in the flight season. The second aim is to help promote ecotourism in the area, particularly for butterflies. Greenwings plan to follow up this year’s visit with a commercial holiday and, as with all our butterfly holidays; we will donate at least 10% of the proceeds to Butterfly Conservation.
Please get in touch if you would like to find out more about this project. Although the trip in late May is essentially an invite only affair we’d welcome interest from anyone with experience of surveying butterflies who may be able to assist.
To find out more about EIG go to their website at www.bc-eig.org.uk
