SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — More than 80 years ago, a beautiful butterfly called Xerces Blue that once fluttered among San Francisco’s coastal dunes went extinct as stately homes, museums and parks ate up its habitat, marking the first butterfly species in the United States to disappear due to human development. But thanks to years of research and modern technology a close relative of the shimmery iridescent butterfly species has been reintroduced to the dunes in Presidio National Park in San Francisco. Dozens of Silvery Blue butterflies — the closest living relatives of the Xerces Blue — were released in the restored habitat last week, officials said Monday. Scientists with San Francisco’s California Academy of Sciences utilized the Academy’s genetic sequencing capabilities and analyzed Xerces Blue specimens in their vast collection to confirm a group of Silvery Blues in Monterey County, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) south of San Francisco, could successfully fill the ecological gap left by the Xerces Blue. |
Rewind. Fast forward. African farmers are looking everywhere to navigate climate changeLiverpool's title hopes hit by 2Lionel Messi gets 2 goals in front of record New England crowd as Miami beats Revolution 4WADA invites 'independent prosecutor' to examine Chinese swimmers caseChina's 3 deepPan wins 7th gold at national swimming championshipsNow Europe copies Rishi on Rwanda: Slap in the face for selfA Hindu festival in southwestern Pakistan brings a mountainous region to lifeMiserable runs continue for Juve and Milan in stalemateBritish father