Measures to protect one of Australia’s largest and most beautiful native butterflies, the Richmond birdwing, will be outlined at a workshop in Murwillumbah on Saturday, August 27.
The rare species is threatened by climate change, habitat destruction and an introduced weed which poisons the larvae.
The Tweed Byron Bush Futures Project has joined with the Richmond Birdwing Conservation Network to stage the workshop, to raise awareness of the Richmond birdwing and show how community members can assist its recovery in the Tweed Valley.
“Bush Futures is working with communities to undertake an on-ground project in remnant urban bushland across the Tweed and Byron shires to restore and improve habitats for a range of native fauna, including butterflies,” Council’s Bush Futures Project Manager, John Turnbull, said.
“Butterflies are quite specific in their habitat and food plant needs. Actions that ‘tidy’ bushland by removing vines or understorey, particularly sedges and grasses, can have seriously detrimental impacts on butterflies’ ability to survive in remnant bush areas.”
“Butterfly experts at the workshop will describe the fascinating life history of the birdwing butterfly and introduce participants to the birdwing vine (the food plant of its larvae), as well as the rogue lookalike plants which poison it.”
Participants can also learn how to grow birdwing vines in gardens and revegetation projects.
Topics also include current projects to identify and protect wild vines and habitats and the role of vegetation corridors and linkages for the Richmond birdwing’s long-term survival.
The workshop will be held at the Canvas & Kettle Room in the Murwillumbah Civic and Cultural Centre, Tumbulgum Road, from 9.30am to 2pm.
It includes free morning tea and a light lunch, a comprehensive information booklet and a birdwing vine to get participants started.
Places are limited and bookings are essential by phoning Claire Masters, on (02) 6670 2199 or email csotweed@tweed.nsw.gov.au.
