Queen Alexandra's Birdwing Butterfly Ornithoptera alexandrae (Rothschild, 1907): a review and conservation proposals

Description:

Provides an up-to-date account of the world's largest butterfly, bringing together what is currently known about the species from scientific papers, reports, notes, original letters, interviews with Government officers and anecdotal evidence. Sections on discovery, life cycle, distribution and conservation. The book is intended to provide a better understanding of the species' ecology and promote further research, supporting conservation and management. Due to the insects very restricted range and foodplant restrictions, among other reasons, this species, one of the most charismatic worldwide, is in serious danger of extinction. This book forms the basis of an appeal for funding to a total of $250,000 to fund a captive breeding programme. If successful, the plan proposes the establishment of up to 3 large breeding cages in different locations stocked with foodplants and nectar flowers. Adults will be paired, and females encouraged to lay eggs in captivity before being released in areas of suitable habitat to supplement the existing wild population.

**£5 from the purchase price of each copy sold will be donated towards the appeal for funding the captive breeding programme. **