But intensive farming and the use of fertilizers have driven the Violet Copper to the edge of extinction. Theissen is seeking to create a new habitat for the indigenous butterfly in Germany’s Eifel region, home to the country’s largest remaining population of the Violet Copper. He plans to thin out spruce forests and recreate areas similar to the original marshlands. The scientist has received financial backing from the European Union's Life Program, which helps fund environmental and conservation projects.