Dazzling New Butterflies Introduced in Presidio to Replace Dazzling Butterflies That Went Extinct

The reintroduction of Silvery blue butterflies in San Francisco's Presidio marks an ecological initiative to replace the extinct Xerces blue butterfly, which disappeared 80 years ago. Wildlife experts released seven Silvery blue butterflies this week, adding to the 27 released last week, aiming to restore the local ecosystem. The California Academy of Sciences conducted genome sequencing to identify the Silvery blue as the closest relative to the Xerces blue. Dr. Durrell Kapan emphasized that the Silvery blue will serve as an ecological stand-in, performing vital roles in pollination and supporting the food web.

This project addresses the historical impact of urban development on local butterfly populations, specifically the destruction of sand dunes. The butterflies are expected to lay eggs soon, contributing to the ecosystem by providing food for lizards and birds. This initiative represents a significant step towards restoring native species in urban environments. The effort aligns with broader ecological restoration goals in San Francisco.