Richmond birdwing butterfly (Ornithoptera richmondia)
Photo © Jennifer Broomhall

The recent sighting of the magnificent Richmond Birdwing butterfly in suburban Thornlands (Redlands) is fantastic news and potentially signifies that this butterfly once again is calling the Redlands home.

The identification has been confirmed by Dr. Ian Gynther of the Threatened Species Partnerships - Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, DERM.

The Richmond Birdwing, Ornithoptera richmondia has become extinct from two-thirds of its original range and continues to contract.

The Richmond Birdwing butterfly was destined to become extinct until a mighty effort was put in by organisations such as the Richmond Birdwing Conservation Network (RBCN) – a project of Wildlife Queensland and Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) and sympathetic residents who undertook a planting of their larval host plant, the Pararistolochia praevenosa vine, across South East Queensland.

Mr. Baltais from Wildlife Queensland said 'It seems this major planting exercise put in by concerned residents and the education and recovery effort undertaken by RBCN and DERM has potentially turned the species trajectory away from extinction.

The exact location of the recent sighting is being kept confidential but it's clear that this very large and absolutely beautiful butterfly (14 - 16cm wingspan) can survive if suitable habitat is protected, even within suburbia'.

Mr. Baltais said 'The network is abuzz with this great news. This is not only one of Australia’s most beautiful butterflies but it's up there with the world's best. To help save it from extinction is exciting stuff and just goes to show what a collaborative effort and a caring community can do'.

Wildlife Queensland Bayside Branch and the Wildlife Queensland Research Group is now seeking feedback from Redland residents to determine if more have been sighted and if residents have planted the larval host plant the Pararistolochia praevenosa vine. This knowledge will help us understand the potential size of the Redlands population and its potential to expand.

Mr. Baltais said 'Wildlife Queensland has put a suggestion forward to DERM to establish a greater recovery effort in the Redlands to ensure the species has a secure future.'

'We believe the butterfly has a good chance of flourishing given the Redland City Council and Redlands community are sympathetic to the environment and its wildlife' said Mr. Baltais.

Anyone interested to know more about the butterfly or wishing to join the Richmond Birdwing Conservation Network please visit the RBCN project website.

For more information on Wildlife Queensland's activities, call us on +61 7 3221 0194 or send us an email.