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Hermes copper Lycaena hermes

Goal: Protect, enhance, and restore Hermes copper occupied habitat and historically occupied habitat and the landscape connections between them to create resilient, self-sustaining populations that provide for persistence over the long-term (>100 years).

regional POST 2017, 2018, 2019 SL
MON-SURV-SPEC LYCHER-1

Management units: 2, 3, 4, 6, 10, 11

In 2017-2019, continue surveys for adult Hermes copper (see occurrence table) and habitat assessments begun in 2016 to document the butterfly's current distribution and abundance and to assess habitat and threats at survey sites. Prepare site-specific management recommendations based on survey results and habitat assessments.

Action Statement Action status Projects
SURV-1 Search for adult Hermes copper butterflies and host plants (spiny redbery) at known occupied habitat, historically occupied habitat, habitat recovering from wildfire, and suitable habitat with potential to support the butterfly to determine the extent of the range, population sizes, and to better understand habitat relationships. Use a standardized protocol to collect habitat and threats covariate data at each site for developing and prioritizing management actions. in progress
SURV-2 Submit project metadata, datasets, analyses and report with management recommendations to the MSP Web Portal. in progress
Criteria Deadline year
Hermes Copper Surveys and Reports Completed in 2017 and 2018 2021
Threat Name Threat Code
Altered fire regimeALTFIR
Climate changeCLICHN
Invasive plantsINVPLA
Urban developmentURBDEV
Code Obj. code Statement
LYCHER-3 MON-IMP-TRAN From 2017 to 2021, continue monitoring the effectiveness of Hermes Copper translocation experiments begun in 2014 at Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area (see Table of Occurrences). Extend the monitoring for 2 years after the last egg is translocated to determine whether a population has been established.
LYCHER-6 MGT-PRP-MGTPL In 2017, complete a 5 year Hermes Copper Management Plan that includes the results from butterfly surveys and habitat assessments and genetic, marking and translocation studies to develop a management strategy and to identify and prioritize site specific management actions. The plan should employ the modeling results to identify potential fire and climate refugia that may be suitable sites for future translocations and provide specific recommendations for reducing fire risk at occurrences at highest risk.
LYCHER-9 MON-PRP-MONPL In 2018, develop a monitoring plan to track long term distribution, abundance, and phenology, and to assess habitats and threats at Hermes copper occurrences (see Table of Occurrences), historically occupied and unoccupied high suitability sites across Conserved Lands in the MSPA. The monitoring plan should build upon previous surveys, habitat assessments and modeling to develop specific questions, monitoring methods, a statistically valid sampling design, sampling locations, and standardized protocols for determining the status and abundance of the butterfly and for assessing habitat and threats at each sampling site to determine management needs. The plan should stipulate that for each survey year, a report be prepared with site-specific management recommendations.
regional POST 2017, 2018, 2019 SL
MGT-IMP-TRAN LYCHER-2

Management units: 2, 3, 4, 6, 10, 11

From 2017 to 2019, continue Hermes Copper translocation experiments begun in 2014 to test the effectiveness of releasing eggs and larvae to repopulate the Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area (see Table of Occurrences) where the original population was extirpated by fire.

Action Statement Action status Projects
IMP-1 Continue releasing Hermes copper eggs at Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area where the butterfly was extirpated in 2017, to see if translocation success can be improved under normal rainfall conditions. Nine of 14 larvae emerged in 2015 from translocated eggs and 1 adult was observed in 2016, despite the prolonged and intense drought. In progress
Criteria Deadline year
Hermes Copper Translocation Experiments Completed in 2019 2021
Threat Name Threat Code
Altered fire regimeALTFIR
Human uses of the PreservesHUMUSE
Invasive plantsINVPLA
Urban developmentURBDEV
Code Obj. code Statement
LYCHER-1 MON-SURV-SPEC In 2017-2019, continue surveys for adult Hermes copper (see occurrence table) and habitat assessments begun in 2016 to document the butterfly's current distribution and abundance and to assess habitat and threats at survey sites. Prepare site-specific management recommendations based on survey results and habitat assessments.
LYCHER-3 MON-IMP-TRAN From 2017 to 2021, continue monitoring the effectiveness of Hermes Copper translocation experiments begun in 2014 at Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area (see Table of Occurrences). Extend the monitoring for 2 years after the last egg is translocated to determine whether a population has been established.
LYCHER-4 MGT-DEV-BMP In 2017, continue development of BMPs begun in 2013 for captive rearing Hermes Copper at the San Diego Zoo. Attempt to determine optimal conditions for rearing Hermes copper in captivity to provide a source of butterflies for translocations to re-establish populations at sites where the butterfly has been extirpated or to establish new populations in suitable habitat.
LYCHER-6 MGT-PRP-MGTPL In 2017, complete a 5 year Hermes Copper Management Plan that includes the results from butterfly surveys and habitat assessments and genetic, marking and translocation studies to develop a management strategy and to identify and prioritize site specific management actions. The plan should employ the modeling results to identify potential fire and climate refugia that may be suitable sites for future translocations and provide specific recommendations for reducing fire risk at occurrences at highest risk.
LYCHER-7 MGT-IMP-MGTPL In 2018, begin implementing high priority management actions from the Hermes Copper Management Plan.
LYCHER-7 MGT-IMP-MGTPL In 2018, begin implementing high priority management actions from the Hermes Copper Management Plan.
LYCHER-13 MGT-IMP-FMGT For at least the first 3 years following a fire, implement management actions identified by postfire monitoring as necessary to protect and rehabilitate high quality habitat to allow for recovery of Hermes copper occurrences impacted by wildfire.
regional POST 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 SL
MON-IMP-TRAN LYCHER-3

Management units: 2, 3, 4, 6, 10, 11

From 2017 to 2021, continue monitoring the effectiveness of Hermes Copper translocation experiments begun in 2014 at Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area (see Table of Occurrences). Extend the monitoring for 2 years after the last egg is translocated to determine whether a population has been established.

Action Statement Action status Projects
IMP-1 Submit project metadata, monitoring datasets, analyses and report with management recommendations to the MSP Web Portal. In progress
Criteria Deadline year
Hermes Copper Translocation Monitoring and Reports Completed Annually 2021
Threat Name Threat Code
Altered fire regimeALTFIR
Human uses of the PreservesHUMUSE
Invasive plantsINVPLA
Urban developmentURBDEV
Code Obj. code Statement
LYCHER-2 MGT-IMP-TRAN From 2017 to 2019, continue Hermes Copper translocation experiments begun in 2014 to test the effectiveness of releasing eggs and larvae to repopulate the Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area (see Table of Occurrences) where the original population was extirpated by fire.
LYCHER-6 MGT-PRP-MGTPL In 2017, complete a 5 year Hermes Copper Management Plan that includes the results from butterfly surveys and habitat assessments and genetic, marking and translocation studies to develop a management strategy and to identify and prioritize site specific management actions. The plan should employ the modeling results to identify potential fire and climate refugia that may be suitable sites for future translocations and provide specific recommendations for reducing fire risk at occurrences at highest risk.
LYCHER-7 MGT-IMP-MGTPL In 2018, begin implementing high priority management actions from the Hermes Copper Management Plan.
LYCHER-7 MGT-IMP-MGTPL In 2018, begin implementing high priority management actions from the Hermes Copper Management Plan.
LYCHER-13 MGT-IMP-FMGT For at least the first 3 years following a fire, implement management actions identified by postfire monitoring as necessary to protect and rehabilitate high quality habitat to allow for recovery of Hermes copper occurrences impacted by wildfire.
regional PRE 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 SL
MGT-IMP-MGTPL LYCHER-7

Management units: 2, 3, 4, 6, 10, 11

In 2018, begin implementing high priority management actions from the Hermes Copper Management Plan.

Action Statement Action status Projects
IMP-1 Submit project metadata, management datasets, and report to the MSP Web Portal. available for implementation
Criteria Deadline year
By 2021, =1 High Priority Management Action Implemented from the Hermes Copper Management Plan 2021
Code Obj. code Statement
LYCHER-2 MGT-IMP-TRAN From 2017 to 2019, continue Hermes Copper translocation experiments begun in 2014 to test the effectiveness of releasing eggs and larvae to repopulate the Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area (see Table of Occurrences) where the original population was extirpated by fire.
LYCHER-3 MON-IMP-TRAN From 2017 to 2021, continue monitoring the effectiveness of Hermes Copper translocation experiments begun in 2014 at Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area (see Table of Occurrences). Extend the monitoring for 2 years after the last egg is translocated to determine whether a population has been established.
LYCHER-6 MGT-PRP-MGTPL In 2017, complete a 5 year Hermes Copper Management Plan that includes the results from butterfly surveys and habitat assessments and genetic, marking and translocation studies to develop a management strategy and to identify and prioritize site specific management actions. The plan should employ the modeling results to identify potential fire and climate refugia that may be suitable sites for future translocations and provide specific recommendations for reducing fire risk at occurrences at highest risk.
LYCHER-8 MON-IMP-MGTPL Beginning in 2018, monitor effectiveness of implementation of highest priority management actions identified in the Hermes Copper Management Plan.
LYCHER-13 MGT-IMP-FMGT For at least the first 3 years following a fire, implement management actions identified by postfire monitoring as necessary to protect and rehabilitate high quality habitat to allow for recovery of Hermes copper occurrences impacted by wildfire.
regional PRE 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 SL
MON-IMP-MGTPL LYCHER-8

Management units: 2, 3, 4, 6, 10, 11

Beginning in 2018, monitor effectiveness of implementation of highest priority management actions identified in the Hermes Copper Management Plan.

Action Statement Action status Projects
IMP-1 Submit metadata, management effectiveness datasets, analyses, and report to the MSP Web Portal. waiting for precedent action
Criteria Deadline year
Effectiveness of High Priority Management Actions Determined and Report Completed 2021
Code Obj. code Statement
LYCHER-6 MGT-PRP-MGTPL In 2017, complete a 5 year Hermes Copper Management Plan that includes the results from butterfly surveys and habitat assessments and genetic, marking and translocation studies to develop a management strategy and to identify and prioritize site specific management actions. The plan should employ the modeling results to identify potential fire and climate refugia that may be suitable sites for future translocations and provide specific recommendations for reducing fire risk at occurrences at highest risk.
LYCHER-7 MGT-IMP-MGTPL In 2018, begin implementing high priority management actions from the Hermes Copper Management Plan.
LYCHER-7 MGT-IMP-MGTPL In 2018, begin implementing high priority management actions from the Hermes Copper Management Plan.
LYCHER-9 MON-PRP-MONPL In 2018, develop a monitoring plan to track long term distribution, abundance, and phenology, and to assess habitats and threats at Hermes copper occurrences (see Table of Occurrences), historically occupied and unoccupied high suitability sites across Conserved Lands in the MSPA. The monitoring plan should build upon previous surveys, habitat assessments and modeling to develop specific questions, monitoring methods, a statistically valid sampling design, sampling locations, and standardized protocols for determining the status and abundance of the butterfly and for assessing habitat and threats at each sampling site to determine management needs. The plan should stipulate that for each survey year, a report be prepared with site-specific management recommendations.
LYCHER-10 MON-IMP-MONPL In 2020, begin implementing long term Hermes copper monitoring as specified in the Hermes Copper Monitoring Plan. Prepare a report detailing butterfly and habitat assessment results and with site specific management recommendations.
LYCHER-12 MON-IMP-FMGT For at least the first 3 years following a wildfire, use a standardized survey protocol to determine the status of Hermes copper occurrences impacted by fire. Use a standardized postfire protocol to collect vegetation and other covariates important in characterizing Hermes copper habitat recovery following a fire. Postfire monitoring should include collecting habitat recovery data at unoccupied sites that are important for enhancing connectivity or for future population expansion. Identify and prioritize management actions to recover Hermes copper populations and important habitat patches.
regional NFO 2018 SL
MON-PRP-MONPL LYCHER-9

Management units: 2, 3, 4, 6, 10, 11

In 2018, develop a monitoring plan to track long term distribution, abundance, and phenology, and to assess habitats and threats at Hermes copper occurrences (see Table of Occurrences), historically occupied and unoccupied high suitability sites across Conserved Lands in the MSPA. The monitoring plan should build upon previous surveys, habitat assessments and modeling to develop specific questions, monitoring methods, a statistically valid sampling design, sampling locations, and standardized protocols for determining the status and abundance of the butterfly and for assessing habitat and threats at each sampling site to determine management needs. The plan should stipulate that for each survey year, a report be prepared with site-specific management recommendations.

Action Statement Action status Projects
PRP-1 Incorporate previously tested survey methods into development of a Hermes copper monitoring protocol and habitat assessment.The sampling frame should include the current and historic range of the butterfly on Conserved Lands and any unoccupied suitable habitat modeled as climate or fire refugia. Include a subset of sites in north and south San Diego County classified as sentinel sites and monitored every survey year to characterize the conditions and phenology for the butterfly in that year. The remainder of sites should be included in a rotating panel to be surveyed in alternative years. waiting for precedent action
PRP-2 Submit project metadata and Hermes Copper Monitoring Plan to the MSP Web Portal. waiting for precedent action
Criteria Deadline year
Hermes Copper Monitoring Plan Completed in 2018 2021
Threat Name Threat Code
Altered fire regimeALTFIR
Climate changeCLICHN
Invasive plantsINVPLA
Urban developmentURBDEV
Code Obj. code Statement
LYCHER-1 MON-SURV-SPEC In 2017-2019, continue surveys for adult Hermes copper (see occurrence table) and habitat assessments begun in 2016 to document the butterfly's current distribution and abundance and to assess habitat and threats at survey sites. Prepare site-specific management recommendations based on survey results and habitat assessments.
LYCHER-3 MON-IMP-TRAN From 2017 to 2021, continue monitoring the effectiveness of Hermes Copper translocation experiments begun in 2014 at Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area (see Table of Occurrences). Extend the monitoring for 2 years after the last egg is translocated to determine whether a population has been established.
LYCHER-5 MON-DEV-MODL In 2017, develop habitat suitability models for Hermes copper and the host plant (spiny redberry), and the primary nectaring plant (California buckwheat) under current and future climate change scenarios, and conduct fire risk modeling with different management scenarios to identify potential climate and fire refugia. The results of this modeling will be used to inform development of monitoring and management plans for this butterfly.
LYCHER-8 MON-IMP-MGTPL Beginning in 2018, monitor effectiveness of implementation of highest priority management actions identified in the Hermes Copper Management Plan.
LYCHER-10 MON-IMP-MONPL In 2020, begin implementing long term Hermes copper monitoring as specified in the Hermes Copper Monitoring Plan. Prepare a report detailing butterfly and habitat assessment results and with site specific management recommendations.
LYCHER-12 MON-IMP-FMGT For at least the first 3 years following a wildfire, use a standardized survey protocol to determine the status of Hermes copper occurrences impacted by fire. Use a standardized postfire protocol to collect vegetation and other covariates important in characterizing Hermes copper habitat recovery following a fire. Postfire monitoring should include collecting habitat recovery data at unoccupied sites that are important for enhancing connectivity or for future population expansion. Identify and prioritize management actions to recover Hermes copper populations and important habitat patches.
regional POST 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 SL
MON-IMP-FMGT LYCHER-12

Management units: 2, 3, 4, 6, 10, 11

For at least the first 3 years following a wildfire, use a standardized survey protocol to determine the status of Hermes copper occurrences impacted by fire. Use a standardized postfire protocol to collect vegetation and other covariates important in characterizing Hermes copper habitat recovery following a fire. Postfire monitoring should include collecting habitat recovery data at unoccupied sites that are important for enhancing connectivity or for future population expansion. Identify and prioritize management actions to recover Hermes copper populations and important habitat patches.

Action Statement Action status Projects
IMP-1 Prepare and implement a postfire habitat monitoring protocol and sampling design to determine the status of Hermes copper and characterize coastal sage scrub, host plant (spiny redberry), and nectar plant (California buckwheat) recovery following wildfire. Use the monitoring results to identify management actions to facilitate postfire recovery of high quality habitat at occupied sites and at unoccupied sites important for Hermes copper population expansion and connectivity between occurrences. On hold
IMP-2 Submit project metadata, Hermes copper postfire survey and habitat monitoring data, annual reports with management recommendations, and a final report documenting project methods and results to the MSP Web Portal. On hold
Criteria Deadline year
At Least 3 Years of Postfire Monitoring of Hermes Copper and Habitats with Annual Management Recommendations 2021
Threat Name Threat Code
Altered fire regimeALTFIR
Human uses of the PreservesHUMUSE
Invasive plantsINVPLA
Code Obj. code Statement
LYCHER-8 MON-IMP-MGTPL Beginning in 2018, monitor effectiveness of implementation of highest priority management actions identified in the Hermes Copper Management Plan.
LYCHER-9 MON-PRP-MONPL In 2018, develop a monitoring plan to track long term distribution, abundance, and phenology, and to assess habitats and threats at Hermes copper occurrences (see Table of Occurrences), historically occupied and unoccupied high suitability sites across Conserved Lands in the MSPA. The monitoring plan should build upon previous surveys, habitat assessments and modeling to develop specific questions, monitoring methods, a statistically valid sampling design, sampling locations, and standardized protocols for determining the status and abundance of the butterfly and for assessing habitat and threats at each sampling site to determine management needs. The plan should stipulate that for each survey year, a report be prepared with site-specific management recommendations.
LYCHER-10 MON-IMP-MONPL In 2020, begin implementing long term Hermes copper monitoring as specified in the Hermes Copper Monitoring Plan. Prepare a report detailing butterfly and habitat assessment results and with site specific management recommendations.
LYCHER-13 MGT-IMP-FMGT For at least the first 3 years following a fire, implement management actions identified by postfire monitoring as necessary to protect and rehabilitate high quality habitat to allow for recovery of Hermes copper occurrences impacted by wildfire.
regional POST 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 SL
MGT-IMP-FMGT LYCHER-13

Management units: 2, 3, 4, 6, 10, 11

For at least the first 3 years following a fire, implement management actions identified by postfire monitoring as necessary to protect and rehabilitate high quality habitat to allow for recovery of Hermes copper occurrences impacted by wildfire.

Action Statement Action status Projects
IMP-1 Implement management actions to restore coastal sage scrub, host plants (spiny redberry) and nectaring plants (California buckwheat) at Hermes copper habitats destroyed by wildfire. These management actions may include planting host plants, nectaring plants, and controlling invasive plants to to =20% absolute cover to reduce postfire invasion of nonnative plants and to allow postfire recovery of native plants by reducing competition for water and light. Control erosion and human use impacts while habitat is recoverying. On hold
IMP-2 Submit project metadata and management actions to the MSP Web Portal. On hold
Criteria Deadline year
At Least 3 Years of Postfire Management in Hermes Copper Habitats 2021
Threat Name Threat Code
Altered fire regimeALTFIR
Human uses of the PreservesHUMUSE
Invasive plantsINVPLA
Code Obj. code Statement
LYCHER-2 MGT-IMP-TRAN From 2017 to 2019, continue Hermes Copper translocation experiments begun in 2014 to test the effectiveness of releasing eggs and larvae to repopulate the Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area (see Table of Occurrences) where the original population was extirpated by fire.
LYCHER-3 MON-IMP-TRAN From 2017 to 2021, continue monitoring the effectiveness of Hermes Copper translocation experiments begun in 2014 at Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area (see Table of Occurrences). Extend the monitoring for 2 years after the last egg is translocated to determine whether a population has been established.
LYCHER-4 MGT-DEV-BMP In 2017, continue development of BMPs begun in 2013 for captive rearing Hermes Copper at the San Diego Zoo. Attempt to determine optimal conditions for rearing Hermes copper in captivity to provide a source of butterflies for translocations to re-establish populations at sites where the butterfly has been extirpated or to establish new populations in suitable habitat.
LYCHER-6 MGT-PRP-MGTPL In 2017, complete a 5 year Hermes Copper Management Plan that includes the results from butterfly surveys and habitat assessments and genetic, marking and translocation studies to develop a management strategy and to identify and prioritize site specific management actions. The plan should employ the modeling results to identify potential fire and climate refugia that may be suitable sites for future translocations and provide specific recommendations for reducing fire risk at occurrences at highest risk.
LYCHER-7 MGT-IMP-MGTPL In 2018, begin implementing high priority management actions from the Hermes Copper Management Plan.
LYCHER-7 MGT-IMP-MGTPL In 2018, begin implementing high priority management actions from the Hermes Copper Management Plan.
LYCHER-12 MON-IMP-FMGT For at least the first 3 years following a wildfire, use a standardized survey protocol to determine the status of Hermes copper occurrences impacted by fire. Use a standardized postfire protocol to collect vegetation and other covariates important in characterizing Hermes copper habitat recovery following a fire. Postfire monitoring should include collecting habitat recovery data at unoccupied sites that are important for enhancing connectivity or for future population expansion. Identify and prioritize management actions to recover Hermes copper populations and important habitat patches.