An International Traveling Exhibition of Endangered Species
Dedicated to the Children of the World by Calley O'Neill with Rama the Elephant
AN EPIC JOURNEY OF ART AND SOUL FOR THE EARTH
RAMA: AMBASSADOR FOR THE ENDANGERED ONES
Speaking Passionately on Behalf of Those who Cannot Speak
A DELICATE BALANCE
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A DELICATE BALANCE
by Calley O'Neill and Rama the Elephant with Jeb Barsh
18" x 24" - $50
Once common on the Oregon Coast, the beautiful golden and brown medium sized is a member of the true fritillary family, or silverspot butterflies. The Oregon Silverspot Butterfly population crashed in 1988 and the species was listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 1980.
In 1999, The Fish and Wildlife Service, the Oregon Zoo, Woodland Park Zoo, Xerces Society, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Nature Conservancy, Washington Department of Corrections, Department of Defense and several local universities including Lewis and Clark College began recovery efforts with a captive rearing and release program. The recovery plan prioritizes maintaining existing populations, and protecting and enhancing existing habitat in six designated conservation areas. About 2,000 butterflies are released each year at the Oregon Coast. There are now thriving populations of butterflies on the coast, and studies suggest the recovery is making headway.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP THE BUTTERFLIES
- Growing native wild flowers is one of the best actions you can take to help save these delicate painted masterpieces.
- For the Silverspot, grow rare Early Blue Violets. Their leaves are the only source of food for its caterpillars.
- Keep your yard free of chemicals.
- Keep some of your yard wild!
- Plant a butterfly garden at your local school or library.
