Is a one-butterfly population viable

[Michael Gochfeld]

We have a very relict population of Hesperia leonardus (Leondard's 
Skipper) behind our house.  Last year it was listed in NJ as a Species 
of Special Concern.  We have seen only one individual from this 
population in each of the last three years.  This is a remnant of a 
population that used to number between 5-10 individuals/sighted during 
the 17 day season (last week of August and first 10 days of Sept). 

It's not clear what the actual population is likely to be, but we look 
pretty hard for this species on several of the days in the flight 
period. 

I wouldn't have bet on its survival two years ago.  Nor on its future 
survival, now that the area is destined to be developed.  We did secure 
a conservation easement which will protect the area (if not the critical 
habitat). 

M. Gochfeld