WILD FUTURES - Richmond Birdwing Butterfly

The stunning Richmond Birdwing Butterfly (Ornithoptera richmondia) is a colourful visitor to southeast Queensland and one of Australia’s largest butterflies.  However this once common butterfly is in danger of flitting out of existence.

Clearing of native food plants and invasions of a poisonous weed have drastically reduced numbers and fragmented populations.  A noxious, introduced vine that is nearly identical to their native food source causes the butterfly to mistakenly lay their eggs on this vine, which in turn poisons the emerging caterpillars.

Conservation Volunteers is working hard to remove the toxic introduced species and replace them with healthy vine varieties to improve butterfly habitat in this area and their chances for survival.

You can get involved with these important activities and volunteer on the Sunshine Coast or Brisbane or assist with this project with a donation – and together we can ensure that this butterfly continues to have a Wild Future.

Wild Futures 2012 Calendars NOW AVAILABLE! 

Our work to help save the Richmond Bird-wing butterfly is supported by the following organisations and individuals:

Richmond Birdwing Conservation Network