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Endangered Palos Verdes Butterflies to be Released

Palos_Verdes_blue_butterfly.jpg

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It is claimed to be the world's rarest butterfly and it lives here, albeit endangered. The Palos Verdes blue butterfly was listed as endangered in 1980--thanks to development, non-native plants and off-roading--but within a few years, many scientists believed it was extinct, according to Cooperative Conservation America. That was until 1994 when a UCLA researcher came upon some of the butterflies in San Pedro.

In an effort to expand and restore the butterfly's population, scientists and volunteers have been working to make Friendship Park on Palos Verdes Peninsula once again suitable for living. And the good news is, things are up to par, allowing for the relase of the butterflies this weekend.

If you're interested in butterflies, make sure to check out the Pavilion of Wings this April at the Natural History Museum.

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