VU

Zerynthia caucasica

Declining

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Zerynthia caucasica faces significant pressure from habitat degradation in its limited Caucasus range, where agricultural expansion and urban development fragment the mountain meadows and forest edges it depends upon. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the elevation zones where both the butterfly and its Aristolochia host plants can survive. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances and collection pressure from butterfly enthusiasts.

Threat summary

Habitat

This butterfly inhabits mountain meadows, forest clearings, and scrubland edges at elevations between 800-2000 meters in the Caucasus Mountains. It requires areas where its specific Aristolochia host plants grow, typically in semi-open habitats with good sun exposure and protection from strong winds.

Forest· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Zerynthia caucasica classified as Vulnerable?
Zerynthia caucasica is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Zerynthia caucasica faces significant pressure from habitat degradation in its limited Caucasus range, where agricultural expansion and urban development fragment the mountain meadows and forest edges it depends upon. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the elevation zones where both the butterfly and its Aristolochia host plants can survive. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances and collection pressure from butterfly enthusiasts.
Where does Zerynthia caucasica live?
Zerynthia caucasica occurs in Türkiye. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Zerynthia caucasica?
The main threats to Zerynthia caucasica are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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