This study focuses on the distribution of the meso-thermophilous butterfly Southern Festoon (Zerynthia polyxena) in Slovenia, its endangerment and mitigation measures. The key factor, which determines the spatial distribution of adult butterflies, is the presence of the host plant of the genus Aristolochia spp. Due to loss of its natural habitat the Southern Festoon is now considered an endangered species in the Central Europe. In Slovenia, it is on the Red List of Threatened Species categorised as vulnerable species (V). The Southern Festoon is threatened by reforestation, regular use of pesticides in the vineyards, spontaneous afforestation of marginal grasslands, disposal of marginal vegetation and collecting. The study on distribution of the Southern Festoon in Slovenia was conducted with data collected from sources which included butterfly sighting in different areas and time frames (<1990, 1995–2005, >2005). The methods of actual distribution and complete range were used. The results showed increase in the distribution of the Southern Festoon in the last decades which is in contrast to literature, which suggest local extinctions of the species. The main cause of endangerment is agriculture because encroachment upon nature causes the loss of habitat, which affects species distribution. The endangerment could be reduced by lowering herbicide and pesticide use, especially in wine-growing areas where the use of pesticides is most harmful.
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