Population dynamics and conservation status of the endemic Klot’s sawgrass skipper (Euphyes pilatka klotsi) in the Florida Keys

Sea level rise presents a serious conservation threat to many organisms, particularly in coastal areas. Research into the population dynamics of vulnerable populations is vital to conservation management, and butterflies are an ideal system for these studies given the ease of their identification in the field and their short generation time. Klot’s sawgrass skipper butterfly (Euphyes pilatka klotsi) is endemic to freshwater wetlands on approximately eight small islands in the Florida Keys at 1-2m above sea level and it is currently being considered for listing under the Endangered Species Act. To assess the conservation status of this butterfly, we conducted range-wide surveys between February 2021 and August 2022 using distance sampling. We also collected non-lethal genetic samples from across Florida to better understand connectivity between island habitat patches and taxonomic status; sequences were obtained using double-digest RAD (ddRADseq). Although E. p. klotsi has persisted across its range, its habitat is rapidly changing due to fire suppression and increased salinity due to sea level rise; populations are highly likely to decline in the future. Through this project, we have gained useful insights about this taxon’s population structure, phenology, population size and habitat occupancy, with implications for the management and conservation of a rare habitat type which is home to a suite of endemic and endangered species.