US butterfly revived from 9 to 1,300 in three years

The Poweshiek skipperling butterfly, once nearly extinct in the United States, has been brought back through captive breeding and habitat restoration. In 2022, only nine individuals were found in the wild. By 2025, researchers in Michigan had released more than 1,300 butterflies, according to the Times of India.

The recovery effort involved restoring prairie habitats and carefully planned releases. The success has led to the expansion of the programme to other endangered butterfly species. The restored prairies are also helping support broader ecosystems.