Conservation of the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly in Australia

This survey of one the longest insect conservation campaigns in Australia deals with one of the most iconic endemic papilionid butterflies, the Richmond birdwing (Ornithoptera richmondia), threatened by clearance and fragmentation of subtropical rainforest in eastern Australia and the spread of an alien and poisonous larval food-plant. It was thus lost from much of its former range during the twentieth century. Its conservation has involved many aspects of community involvement, developed over more than 20 years, and its recovery has focused on habitat restoration and weed eradication, in conjunction with conservation of remaining forest fragments. The work involved the entire historical range of the butterfly, and has emphasised landscape connectivity, enhanced through extensive plantings of native food plants. Interest has been maintained through extensive publicity, community education and media activity, and the programme has provided many lessons for advancing insect conservation practice in the region. This summary of the extensive scientific and public aspects of this innovative insect conservation study, emphasises the many different factors that can influence community interest and practical outcomes.

Auteur
Dr Don Sands, who has spent a lifetime understanding insects and developing solutions to major insect problems, both economic and in their conservation, was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division in 2001. He received his award for 'service to the horticultural industry in Australia and the Pacific Region through the development of biological pest control solutions, and to entomology, particularly through conservation projects.' Prof. Tim New, former Editor in Chief of the Journal of Insect Conservation (2003-2009); he is the author/editor of more than 30 book titles published by CSIRO (7), OUP (8); CUP (3); Brill (2), CABI (1), NSW University Press, and 6 books with Springer: monograph: Insect Conservation, An Australian Perspective, Series Entomologica, Vol.32; 978-90-6193-507-0; 1984, 154,95; 204pp, HB edit.vol: Beetle Conservation,978-1-4020-5987-2, 2007, 64,95; 94pp, HB (JICO spin-off) edit.vol: Insect Conservation and Islands, 978-1-4020-8781-3, 2008, 89,95; 252pp; HB (JICO spin-off) monograph: Butterfly Conservation in South-Eastern Australia: Progress and Prospects, 978-90-481-9925-9, 2011, 139,95; 190pp, HB monograph: 'In Considerable Variety': Introducing the Diversity of Australia's Insects, 978-94-007-1779-4; 2011, 139,95; 254pp, HB edited vol.: Insect Conservation: Past, Present and Prospects, 978-94-007-2962-9, 2012, 149,95; 435pp, HB

Contenu

1. Birdwing butterflies and their conservation needs.- 2. The Richmond birdwing butterfly.- 3. The food plants of the Richmond birdwing.- 4. The natural habitats and resources for the Richmond birdwing.- 5. Conservation needs and early concerns.- 6. Foundation of the programme: engaging the community.- 7. Expanding the Programme. The development of community networks: their achievements and roles in conservation and recovery.- 8. Habitat restoration and outcomes.- 9. Revising the Draft Recovery Plan.- 10. Broadening perspective.- References.- Appendices.- Index.