A breeding and release program being conducted by the Department of Environment and Science (DES) is encouraging the endangered Richmond birdwing butterfly to make a comeback in the wild.
Since 2010, the program has resulted in more than 500 Richmond birdwing butterflies being released.
The Department hopes these releases will boost wild populations of the butterfly so that in the future it can be taken off Queensland’s threatened species list.
In a statement, DES said the beautiful butterfly was currently listed as vulnerable in Queensland due to habitat destruction and an introduced weed called the Dutchman’s pipe, which was poisonous to the insect.
“The butterfly’s recovery is a critical priority and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service’s selective breeding program is supported by Seqwater and the Wildlife Protection Society of Queensland, including its special interest group, the Richmond Birdwing Conservation Network,” the Department said.
“Seqwater, the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland, and DES have provided 120 vines to David Fleay Wildlife Park to help raise adult birdwing butterflies in a specially-refurbished enclosure,” it said.
Field Ranger at Seqwater, Mitchell Thomas-Carr said the conservation program was successfully boosting numbers of the birdwing butterfly around Hinze Dam and Numinbah Valley.
“Aside from our involvement in the restoration of the enclosure and supplying birdwing vines, Seqwater is planting host vines in birdwing habitat to further protect and conserve the butterflies,” Mr Thomas-Carr said.
“Seqwater is also removing the Dutchman’s pipe vine from our estate around Hinze Dam, which the butterflies mistake for the birdwing butterfly vine and is toxic to caterpillars.”
