This survey of one the longest insect conservation campaigns in Australia deals with recovery of one of the most iconic endemic butterflies, the Richmond birdwing, threatened by clearance and fragmentation of subtropical rainforest in eastern Australia and the spread of an alien larval food-plant. Its conservation has involved many aspects of community involvement, developed over more than 20 years, and focused on habitat restoration and weed eradication, in conjunction with conservation of remaining forest fragments. The work has involved the entire historical range of the butterfly, addressed threats and emphasised landscape connectivity, and has enhanced recovery 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 survey of one the longest insect conservation campaigns in Australia deals with one of the most iconic endemic papilionid butterflies, the Richmond birdwing. It shows different factors that can influence community interest and practical outcomes.
1. Birdwing butterflies and their conservation needs
1.1. Introduction
1.2. The birdwing butterflies
1.3. Birdwing relationships and distribution
1.4. Australian birdwings and their identities
1.5. Conservation concerns
1.6. Conservation of Australian birdwings
2. The Richmond birdwing butterfly
2.1. The Richmond birdwing: distribution and decline
2.2. Biology
2.3. Times of appearance, dispersal, population changes and migration of adults
2.4. Life history, recognition of early stages, natural enemies
2.5. Introduction to concerns and detection of threats
2.6. History of the Richmond birdwing conservation project
3. The food plants of the Richmond birdwing
![Conservation of the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly in Australia [Hardcover]](/itemImage/2/7/8/4/2_990391.jpg "Conservation of the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly in Australia [Hardcover] xxx")