Nature Conservancy of Canada Manitoba Region has a number of research initiatives underway in the tall-grass prairie natural area to ensure our unique nature in southeast Manitoba is there to share with future generations.
Poweshiek Skipperling International Partnership
The Poweshiek skipperling was a once-abundant butterfly in central North America, whose population was reduced through the 20th century due in part to loss of habitat. In the last 20 years, the remnant Poweshiek populations crashed for unknown reasons, leaving conservation workers scrambling to resuscitate the population while attempting to uncover the cause for the sudden decline. Currently, there are thought to be less than 1,000 individuals in southeast Manitoba, Canada and in Michigan, U.S.
Current management and recovery efforts are likely the only thing standing in the way of the species’ imminent extinction.