Data from sources such as the European Red List of Butterflies indicate negative trends in the number of insects in Europe, in fact over 30% of taxa show regression. One of the most threatened butterflies in Europe is Parnassius apollo. Its decrease in numbers during the last 25 years is 20-50%.
The aim of this international project is to recreate the Parnassius apollo populations in 3 functional areas: Sudetes and White Carpathians in the Continental bioregion and strengthen the Austrian population in the Alpine bioregion.
The first of its kind
During the project, 3 additional breeding farms and 3 new functional areas will be created to anchor the populations in natural conditions, as well as at least 38 “stepping stone sites” to secure species migration corridors between the new sites. The project is therefore the first to implement test and pilot actions for further population development in the bioregions by:
- Recreating of populations in Poland, Czechia in the Continental bioregion and strengthening the Austrian population in the Alpine bioregion
- Creating a coherent methodology for Apollo butterfly protection in the Continental bioregion
- Improving habitat quality of the species such as protecting breeding habitats and feeding grounds
- Creating ecological corridors
- Raising awareness towards the conservation and maintenance of habitats and of the species
- Strengthening social involvement in species protection
🌱 𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴...
Our caterpillars have now entered one of the most mysterious stages of their transformation – the chrysalis (pupa). Inside, nature’s silent miracle is in progress.
This stage is part of a process called 𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙖𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙥𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙨 – a complete transformation from larva to adult:
🐛 The caterpillar, after days of feeding and growing, finds a safe place.
⏳ It forms a chrysalis, where its body breaks down and reorganizes into something entirely new.
🦋 Slowly, the structures of the imago – the adult butterfly – begin to form: wings, legs, antennae, nature’s stunning creation.
𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘄𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲, 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 💪
From stillness to sky – it won’t be long now!
𝗣.𝗦. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸! 🧑🌾
Keep an eye on our stories – they’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes moments from their daily efforts!
@karkonoski_pn
#LIFEApollo2020 #ApolloButterfly #LIFEProject #LIFEProgramme #BreedingFarm #metamorphosis #caterpillar #pupa #chrysalis
🌿 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗲`𝗿𝗲 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻! 🌼
On Friday, April 4th, we returned to the Elementary School in Chełmsko Śląskie to visit the Garden for Apollo - a space we proudly created last year 💪
👩🌾 We gave the flower bed a well-deserved spring refresh: clearing old leaves, reseeding with vibrant meadow plants, and nourishing the soil with compost to give the flowers the best start into the new season. With this, we`re officially getting ready for another blooming chapter! 🌱
The weather couldn’t have been better - the sun was shining brightly, warming our faces and hearts. Laughter filled the air as we worked together, enjoying the peaceful rhythm of nature and the simple joy of being outdoors 🌞
We can’t wait to see the first blossoms appear - our little meadow will soon be alive with color and buzzing with life again! 🐝
#LIFEApollo2020 #ApolloButterfly #LIFEProject #LIFEProgramme #GardenforApollo
🌿𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝘁 "Kruczy Kamień" 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲!🌼
Together with Kamienna Góra Forest District, we are bringing back the former landscape of the "Kruczy Kamień" Reserve and its surroundings!
Decades ago, this meadow was a pasture for livestock, where butterflies fluttered through the air 🦋 But as traditional farming practices faded, the landscape gradually became overgrown, shaped by the natural process of succession.
Now, as part of LIFE Apollo2020 Project, we are working to restore these valuable habitats!
🔹Shrubs and young trees have been removed 🌳
🔹This summer, the meadow will be mowed and raked 🌾
🔹And next year… animals will return! 🐑
🌍 Stay tuned as we revive this unique habitat! ✨
@the_real_parnassius_apollo
#LIFEApollo2020 #ApolloButterfly #NatureRestoration #KruczyKamień #LIFEProject
A heartfelt thank you to the Škoda Auto Endowment Fund for their generous support of our Apollo project through their grant programme! ❤️
Also, a special thanks for the amazing photos! 🦋
𝗪𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 💪
To learn more about the Fund, visit: www.nfsa.cz/en/
📸 @nf_skoda_auto
