Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz has officially launched a major habitat enhancement project to protect one of Guam’s rarest species, the Mariana eight-spot butterfly.

On June 13, Natural Resources teams planted the first 250 procris pedunculata host plants at the base’s live fire training range complex. 

These plants, critical for the butterfly’s survival, will line the earthen berms behind all five firing ranges.

The effort follows more than a decade of planning and supports a larger strategy to connect habitat corridors across Guam’s northern limestone forests, linking to key areas like Ritidian and Tarague.

With invasive species threatening the butterfly’s native food sources, base officials are using strategic outplanting and invasive control to protect and expand the species’ range.

In 2023, over 2,500 host plants were already planted in caiguat forest. Now, around 62 plants will be added behind each range berm to support the butterfly’s full life cycle.

The project showcases Camp Blaz’s commitment to environmental stewardship while maintaining military readiness, ensuring that mission and biodiversity can thrive together.