Ten "survival zones" are key to saving rare butterfly species from becoming extinct, according to Butterfly Conservation Scotland (BCS).
The areas identified include Highland Perthshire, Lochaber, North Argyll, Solway and Upper Deeside.
BCS has previously warned that climate change threatens some species.
It said Scotland had become a refuge for butterflies in decline in England and careful management of the zones could safeguard their future.
BCS director, Paul Kirkland, said changes to farming and forestry practices have affected habitats.
He said: "Butterfly Conservation Scotland has identified these 10 Butterfly Survival Zones where we will be focusing our new conservation strategy to re-connect isolated colonies to secure their future.
SURVIVAL ZONES"Although butterflies are small insects, we need to think big to save them.
"Our new focus works with landowners in these key areas to restore habitats, allowing butterflies to spread over a wider area."
The organisation hopes to encourage landowners to use European and government grants to improve and restore habitats.
Projects include introducing managed grazing by livestock of woodlands to create suitable areas for pearl-bordered fritillary and chequered skipper, and restoring grazing on abandoned farmland for the marsh fritillary.
Mr Kirkland said: "Scotland's butterflies have been preserved by landowners, crofters and foresters who have chosen to continue to manage their land in traditional ways, especially in the north and west.
"We do not want to follow England's example of abandoning these practices which has led to these species disappearing."
The "survival zones" announcement comes as parent body, Butterfly Conservation, celebrates its 40th birthday.
It is the world's biggest organisation concerned with Lepidoptera - the name for the order of insects that include butterflies and moths.
Other bodies involved in the new strategy include Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry Commission Scotland, Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, Scottish Agricultural College and Local Biodiversity Action Plan officers.
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