Saving Mongolia's Endangered Butterflies 

Imagine a land where rolling hills meet sky, where ancient traditions blend with modern conservation efforts. This is Mongolia, home to some of the world’s most beautiful and endangered butterflies. Among them are the Parnassius butterflies, delicate creatures that have graced these steppes for millennia. But their future hangs in the balance.

 

The Challenge

Five species of Parnassius butterflies in Mongolia are now threatened and at risk of disappearing forever. The culprits? Overzealous hay harvesting, excessive grazing, climate change, and even the passionate but misguided efforts of collectors from across the globe. But there’s hope. And it starts with you. 

Our Mission: Empowering the Next Generation

At Butterfly Pavilion, we believe the key to saving these incredible butterflies lies in the hearts and minds of Mongolia’s youth. That’s why we’ve launched an ambitious program turning students into community scientists, armed with cutting-edge technology and a burning passion for conservation. 

Picture this: A young Mongolian girl, eyes wide with wonder, as she spots a rare Apollo butterfly fluttering nearby. With trembling fingers, she reaches for her smartphone, not to capture a fleeting Instagram moment, but to record vital data that could help save an entire species. This isn’t just a dream. It’s happening right now, thanks to supporters like you. 

The Impact of Your Donation

Your generosity doesn’t just buy equipment or fund research trips. It ignites a spark in the next generation of environmental stewards. Here’s what your donation can achieve:

Empower Students: Equip young Mongolians with the tools and knowledge to become guardians of their natural heritage or support a Mongolian undergraduate or graduate student.

Train Teachers: Provide local educators with the skills to inspire a lifelong love of conservation in their students.

Protect Endangered Species: Support crucial research on three threatened Parnassius butterfly species: Apollo, Eversmann’s, and Stubbendorf’s.

Influence Policy: Help inform government decisions and improve conservation strategies based on our findings.

Create a Lasting Legacy: Build a sustainable future for Mongolia’s unique ecosystem and the communities that depend on it.

A Journey of Discovery

From the windswept plains of Uliastai to the pristine forests of Khentey, our team has traversed 11 sites across six provinces. We’ve braved harsh conditions, forged partnerships with local scientists, and witnessed moments of breathtaking beauty. 

But the most inspiring sight of all? The faces of young Mongolians as they realize the power they hold to change the future. 

  

Recent Triumphs  

In 2024, we launched the Invertebrate Trunks program in Dadal, Mongolia, bringing hands-on conservation education to eager young minds. 

From 2019 to 2024 our research has led to groundbreaking publications, shedding new light on Parnassian butterfly habitats. 

We’ve built lasting partnerships with the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, universities, and local conservation groups, ensuring our work will have a lasting impact. 

 

Timeline

In 2020, we published our second paper on the Parnassian butterfly habitat and partnered with the University of Colorado-Denver and Digital Global to analyze data critical to the conservation of these species. 

In 2022, Butterfly Pavilion continued to support monitoring of Mongolia’s Parnassian butterflies and training of Mongolian conservationists to develop long-term sustainable research, conservation, and management policies for Mongolia. Our work ensures the long-term conservation of Mongolia’s Parnassius butterflies by training Mongolian conservationists and scientists in state-of-the-art research, conservation, and management techniques. Given their understanding of their nation’s resources, culture, and history, Mongolian specialists are the most qualified individuals for developing and implementing these long-term policies for their nation. Our work encompassed 11 sites in six provinces (Uliastai, Khovsgol, Tov, Ulaanbaatar, Khentey, and Dornod Provinces) across northern Mongolia. Our goal is to provide them with added improvement and success through our knowledge and expertise.  

In the Summer of 2023, our team eagerly traveled to Mongolia to collaborate with local schools and communities on vital research and conservation efforts aimed at protecting the threatened Parnassius butterfly. Through educational outreach programs and hands-on fieldwork, we aimed to raise awareness about the importance of these beautiful species and their fragile habitat. 

Photo by Rich Reading

In 2024, the Invertebrate Trunks program was piloted in Dadal, Mongolia, aimed at protecting Mongolia’s endangered Parnassius butterflies through education in partnership with Nomadic Nature Conservation, the Mongolian Academy of Science, and local Mongolian educators and community members. The program was delivered through two core activities: Classification and Pollination. The pilot involved 10 students ranging from 6th to 10th grade, along with two teachers. The Pollination Activity was highly successful in terms of student engagement and learning outcomes. Teachers found the activity rewarding, noting benefits in both personal growth and student impact. Through this program, we aim to continue educating others on the importance of invertebrates and our ecosystems, the threats facing Parnassius butterflies, and the actions we can take to ensure their survival. It’s inspiring to see the next generation of environmental stewards in action, working to preserve Mongolia’s unique ecosystem and document local biodiversity. Their enthusiasm and dedication give hope for a sustainable future for Mongolia’s natural heritage. 

Butterfly Pavilion continues to elevate our efforts with the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Mongolian National University, Mongolian Conservation Coalition, Round River Conservation Studies, Nomadic Nature Conservation, local Mongolian educators and other potential partners to explore opportunities for expanding future work to include education, outreach, and conservation. 

 

Join the Movement  

The story of Mongolia’s butterflies is still being written. And you have the power to shape its ending. Will you stand with us as a guardian of the steppe? Will you help us ensure future generations can witness the delicate dance of Parnassius butterflies across Mongolia’s vast horizons? 

Your donation, no matter the size, is a testament to hope. It’s a declaration that beauty matters, that being has value, and that together, we can create a world where nature thrives. Donate now and become part of this incredible journey. Let’s write a future where the skies of Mongolia are filled with the flutter of countless butterfly wings, and where the children can grow up knowing the power of conservation. Together, we can turn the page on extinction and open a new chapter of hope for Mongolia’s butterflies.