This project was born with the aim of increasing the known distribution area and improving the habitat of the dark anteater.

The project “Inventory of colonies, conservation actions and stewardship of the territory of the dark anteater in the Natural Park of Fuentes Carrionas and Fuente Cobre-Montaña Palentina” was born with the aim of increasing the known distribution area and improving the habitat of this species, with the intention of increasing its population size.

This initiative, launched by the Association of Palencia Naturalists, aims to make an inventory of all the dark anteater colonies that inhabit the Fuentes Carrionas Natural Park, in Palencia, to estimate their population in this natural space. Once identified, their colonies will be signposted.

In addition , the aim is to increase the effective population of the butterfly thanks to the increase in the availability of the optimal habitat. To do this, it is necessary to maintain a part of the pastures where its nutritive plant (the greater pimpinella) is located unmowed and to improve its habitat through restoration work. It is also intended to increase environmental sensitivity towards this species in the localities where its distribution area is located.

The expected results within the framework of this project are to obtain an inventory of the colonies of this species in what is possibly its largest metapopulation in Spain. In addition, it is expected to increase knowledge about the habitat characteristics of the colonies and the threats to the conservation of this butterfly and the improvement of the habitat. Another objective is to increase the availability of its nutritive plant in more than 70% of the known colonies in the natural area, which will increase its population in the short term. Finally, hydromorphological restoration work will be carried out in four or five colonies to improve the habitat of the butterfly.

It is also expected to raise awareness among about 8,000 people through talks and dissemination of informative material in the towns where the towns are located and in the Park House of the Natural Space.

To this end, the main activities underway are:

• Inventory and description of the colonies of this butterfly in the Natural Park: fieldwork, estimation of population size, writing of the results report, etc
• Signing of land stewardship agreements: identification of farms and owners, delivery of compensatory measures (straw or hay), small hydromorphological restoration works to improve the habitat that requires it, etc
• Environmental education and awareness