The Pulelehua Project: Mapping distributions and assessing population connectivity of the Hawaiian Kamehameha butterfly (Vanessa tameamea)

The Kamehameha butterfly (Nymphalidae: Vanessa tameamea) is endemic to Hawaii, and one of only two butterflies native to the archipelago. Although it occurs across the main Hawaiian Islands, its range has contracted, and it is no longer found in many areas where it used to be common. The Pulelehua Project, funded by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, is a “citizen science” effort to map Kamehameha butterfly populations, supplementing our own surveys. We created a website to which observers can upload photos of butterflies or immature stages along with associated date and locality data. Submitted observations were used to create a map of suitable habitat using environmental niche modeling. This identified additional areas where the butterfly may occur, as well as regions where reintroductions or community "butterfly gardens" are most likely to succeed. We also measured mitochondrial genetic connectivity among populations on different islands and mountain ranges, which will help inform conservation efforts.