The past and current status of endangered butterflies in Korea.

摘要

Here we review the current situation of endangered butterflies in Korea and describe the causes of their decline. Because no details regarding the changes in butterfly populations across the country were available, we selected candidate butterfly species based on a score sheet sent to six specialists in Korea. Twenty species were finally selected and assessed. As a result, 3 critically endangered, 14 endangered and 3 vulnerable species were identified. We attempted to identify the possible causes of decline by addressing habitat loss (grassland or riparian grassland), forest succession, warmer temperature, over-collecting and loss of symbiont ants. We discuss the causal factors with the current situation of butterfly populations in Korea.Digital Object Identifier http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1479-8298.2011.00478.x