Shrub Clearance in Lofer for Parnassius Apollo
Habitat Restoration on the Steppe Slope at Lärchberg, Lofer
The main restoration site, a steep dry slope below the Lärchberg near Lofer, had become increasingly overgrown in recent years. Dense shrubs and young trees—particularly spruce, hazel, and maple—had spread unchecked across the slope, gradually shading out the rocky, sunlit conditions essential for the breeding of the Apollo butterfly (Parnassius apollo). Most critically, the butterfly’s sole larval food plant—white stonecrop (Sedum album)—had nearly disappeared from the site due to lack of light and space.
To reverse this trend, a coordinated habitat restoration campaign was launched in spring 2025 as part of the EU-LIFE project Apollo2020. Between March 6 and April 23, a total of 15 action days were devoted to clearing dense vegetation from approximately 30 hectares of land. This core intervention zone is part of a larger 60-hectare habitat complex, which is home to one of the most genetically distinct and ecologically important populations of the Apollo butterfly in Austria—classified as the endemic subspecies Parnassius apollo loferensis (Kolar, 1922).
The restoration focused on the systematic removal of woody vegetation and scattered trees that had increasingly degraded this specialized alpine steppe habitat. Chainsaws, winches, and tractors were used to remove shrubs and saplings. Cut material was then cleared manually or shredded and transported off-site to prevent regrowth. The goal was to reopen the slope, allowing sunlight and warmth to reach the soil again and promote the recovery of dry-grassland vegetation—especially the vital Sedum species required by Apollo larvae.
The campaign was led by Otto Feldner of the European Wilderness Society (EWS) in scientific coordination. He was supported by the chairman of the Lärchberg-Lofer agricultural community and three additional local volunteers. The effort was further backed by regional nature conservation specialists and the Salzburg state government, who provided advisory input and technical assistance throughout the process.
This proactive and well-coordinated effort highlights the value of early intervention and strong partnerships between local stakeholders, scientific experts, volunteers, and conservation organizations such as the European Wilderness Society. As a result, the habitat of Parnassius apollo loferensis has been significantly improved, providing renewed hope for the survival of this iconic butterfly species in the Lofer region.
