The large blue butterfly, Phengaris arion, occurs across Europe and Asia. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists it on the Red List™ as ‘Near Threatened’ worldwide and ‘Endangered’ in Europe. In Europe, P. arion became extinct in the Netherlands in 1964 and in the United Kingdom in 1979. Fig. 6.1 shows the conservation status categories in the IUCN Red List™. Fig. 6.2 shows P. arion. Conservation status categories shown are: Extinct (EX), Extinct in the Wild (EW), Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN), Vulnerable (VU), Near Threatened (NT), Least Concern (LC), with the extinction risk increasing through the list.
(a(i))[3]
Explain how IUCN Red List™ assessments support the conservation of biodiversity.
(a(ii))[2]
With reference to Fig. 6.1 and the IUCN assessments for P. arion, suggest how the butterfly’s abundance varies across its distribution.
(b(i))[2]
Use the information provided to suggest why P. arion became extinct in the United Kingdom in 1979.
(b(ii))[4]
Outline the advantages of restoring habitats for endangered species.
Worked solution & mark scheme
This 11-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: “identify and prioritise species most at risk” …