Human Environment Interaction Causes Change

The Richmond birdwing butterfly (Ornithoptera richmondia) is the largest subtropical Australian butterfly. In the 1890’s, Barry Davies said there were thousands upon thousands of Richmond birdwing butterflies. Now, Barry says he sees them once a year. There are multiple threats to them, including us…

Richmond birdwing butterflies need lowland vines to interact. Without that, there will not be enough habitats for them to survive in the long term.

The Dutchman’s Pipe Vine is a big, beautiful flower, similar in appearance to lowland vines; however, they very poisonous to the butterflies. They cannot tell the difference. They lay their eggs on them then the caterpillars die.

Dutchman’s Pipe Vines are purposely grown in public places, such as schools. Human interventions are occurring. It’s a community based conservation. Conservationists are trying to eliminate Dutchman’s Pipe Vines to improve the chances for the butterfly.