The Brevard Zoo animal collection has 550 animals representing 156 different species living on grounds. But these are not the only species of animals found on property. The zoo also coexists with many native species of wildlife on its 72 acres of predominantly natural habitat. For three summers from 2005 to 2007, Brevard Zoo proudly exhibited a collection of native butterflies so guests could encounter these beautiful insects up close and learn of their importance as a part of our ecosystem. From this endeavor evolved a desire to study wild butterflies that also call the Brevard Zoo home. Thus began the Brevard Zoo’s Citizen-Scientist Project.

Learn more by following these links: Project Updates, Videos, Photos, Maps, Links, FAQ, Documents

Written By: Michelle Smurl, Director of Animal Programs, Brevard Zoo

During the summer of 2006 a group of butterfly enthusiasts, many touched by the close encounters during our exhibits, “Butterflies over Brevard” and the “Swallowtail Festival”, gathered at Brevard Zoo to join Dr. Akers Pence for an intensive training opportunity. Dr. Pence is the state coordinator of the Florida Butterfly Monitoring Network (FBMN) based at the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville.

Ten newly trained and eager volunteer Citizen Scientists and three staff members began the official cataloging of the zoo’s wild butterfly population. Several defined areas, called transects, were created. (These are areas that are identified as a representative habitat type). Transects are meticulously searched for any butterfly life and duly recorded. The zoo transects represent wet woodlands (transect A), wet meadows (transect B and C), a man-made butterfly garden within the zoo (transect D) and the wetland trail (transect E). The zoo’s first session yielded 110 butterflies belonging to 16 species. Information from all five transects at the zoo is submitted on a monthly basis to Dr. Jaret Daniels at the McGuire Center for entry into the FBMN database.

The volunteers contribute valuable information to a serious scientific study. The fruits of their collection efforts will be used to develop appropriate conservation and management strategies in the effort to protect Florida’s dwindling butterfly populations. To date, Brevard Zoo volunteer citizen scientists have recorded 31 different butterfly species on property.

To learn more about the Florida Butterfly Monitoring Network please visit their website at www.flbutterflies.net.