17 April 2025
In a win for wildlife and green infrastructure, 153 Richmond birdwing butterfly vines have been planted alongside 11 custom-designed trellises as part of the M1 Pacific Motorway (VL2T) Upgrade Project, thanks to a collaboration between the Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) and Wildlife Queensland’s Richmond Birdwing Conservation Network.
The planting design and trellis concept were developed by Wildlife Queensland’s Projects Manager, Matt Cecil, with the goal of restoring vital habitat for the vulnerable Richmond birdwing butterfly (Ornithoptera richmondia) and enhancing connectivity for local fauna along the Burleigh Heads to Springbrook biodiversity corridor.
“This project is a great example of how practical conservation solutions can be woven into major infrastructure,” said Matt Cecil. “It’s exciting to see our design being used to create a habitat that not only supports the birdwing butterfly but also encourages wildlife to use the new nearby fauna underpass.”
The DTMR Project’s Principal Environmental Advisor, Rick Haywood, said,“This is the first infrastructure project in Australia to apply fauna sensitive road design principles that focused on invertebrates. And this shows an integrated approach can provide significant benefits for not only road users and the community, but also for the natural environment.”
Importantly, the site plays a strategic role in establishing a much-needed habitat corridor. Birdwing butterfly vine data held by the Richmond Birdwing Conservation Network show existing plantings on public and private land 1.5 kilometres to the northeast, and an extant vine and butterfly population in Burleigh Heads National Park. The butterfly has also been recorded only 4 kilometres south on Tallebudgera Creek Road.
By establishing a population of birdwing butterfly vines (Aristolochia praevenosa) at the project site, the initiative creates a crucial ‘stepping stone’ between the Tallebudgera and Burleigh butterfly populations. Over time, this green link is expected to support the genetic health and recovery of the ‘at risk’ Burleigh Heads population and enhance resilience across the region.
Richmond birdwing butterfly populations have declined in Queensland since the 1920s following the loss and fragmentation of their habitats, mainly rainforests. Increasing the species’ main food plants for caterpillars, the birdwing butterfly vine and mountain aristolochia (A. laheyana) is a simple measure that can help Queensland’s largest birdwing butterfly species survive.
Photos taken recently reveal additional native species now growing around the trellises. Over time, the area is expected to flourish into a well-vegetated wildlife corridor that supports a range of species.
Wildlife Queensland commends the Department of Transport and Main Roads for incorporating ecological values into its upgrade works and looks forward to seeing the vines thrive.
How you can help
- We need your birdwing vine seeds! Contact us here if you have some.
- Purchase birdwing vines from our online shop.
- Learn more about the Richmond Birdwing Conservation Network.
- Join our RBCN Facebook group.
- Cultivate and care for Birdwing Butterfly vines