Richmond Birdwing Conservation Network
join the rbcn
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The Richmond Birdwing Conservation Network (RBCN) is an affiliation of individuals, groups and organisations dedicated to the conservation of the Richmond birdwing butterfly (Ornithoptera richmondia) and its host plants, the birdwing butterfly vine (Pararistolochia praevenosa) and mountain aristolochia (P. laheyana).
Birdwing Vines Planted each year
Seeds distributed each year to grow vines
Our aims
The Richmond birdwing butterfly, the largest subtropical butterfly in Australia, is closely related to several other birdwings from northern Queensland and New Guinea. It is protected in Queensland, where it is classified as a threatened species at risk of extinction.
Richmond birdwing butterfly populations have declined in Queensland since the 1920s following the loss and fragmentation of their habitats, mainly rainforests. Clearing and burning of understorey vegetation, invasion of riparian native vegetation by weeds, and mining of rainforest valleys for volcanic rocks are ongoing threats.
The RBCN hopes to recover the vulnerable Richmond birdwing butterfly and its essential lowland food plant, the birdwing butterfly vine, across this butterfly’s natural ranges. We aim to do this by:
- rehabilitating habitat corridors between existing fragmented populations and extending these corridors into areas where this beautiful butterfly has disappeared
- working with state and local governments to implement conservation projects, develop programs and support communities in the restoration of habitat
- educating communities and raising awareness of the importance of the birdwing butterfly via workshops on the conservation and biology of the butterfly and the propagation and planting of its food vines
- partnering with numerous landcare and habitat rehabilitation groups to establish key vine planting sites.
Current projects
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Ongoing activities
- mapping the current distribution of the butterfly and its food plant
- removing introduced Dutchman’s pipe vines
- supporting scientific research
- running hands-on school projects
- creating flagship corridors by planting vines
- creating educational publications.
Donate your birdwing vine fruit (seed pods) to RBCN’s seed bank
Each year, the RBCN collects thousands of seeds to grow seedlings that revegetate important breeding and feeding habitat for Richmond birdwing butterflies and their larvae. But we need more ripe fruit (pods) so we can continue to cultivate seedlings and carry on with this vital conservation work. Email birdwing@wildlife.org.au if you have seeds to donate. RBCN will give one potted vine to every person/family that provides ripe pods.
Get involved
BECOME A MEMBER
Join our network of supporters helping to protect and conserve the vulnerable Richmond birdwing butterfly.
Buy birdwing vines
Buy beautiful vines from the Wildlife Queensland shop. Each vine comes in a 90mm pot with a 70cm stake. Ready for planting.
adopt a birdwing
Support the RBCN by symbolically adopting a Richmond birdwing butterfly with a $60 tax-deductible donation.
report a birdwing sighting
Your information will help RBCN to build a database of birdwing butterfly distribution across QLD/NSW.
Nurseries that sell birdwing vines
Download our list of RBCN-recommended nurseries where you can purchase birdwing vines.
join RBCN facebook group
Join our Facebook Group to meet fellow birdwing lovers, share info and keep abreast of RBCN news & views.
plant vines in seq
The Richmond birdwing regional habitat corridor map (pdf) identifies a corridor in South East Queensland that needs vines to save the species. Please email us if your property falls within the orange or green areas on the map and you would like to plant a vine to help build a birdwing corridor.
RBCN educational resources
Fact sheets & guides
Videos & webinars
Richmond birdwing butterfly webinars
Richmond birdwing butterfly videos
- RBCN seedbank (2022). Watch video
- Saving Swallowtails Conference 2021: The Richmond Birdwing, Matt Cecil (Wildlife Queensland). Watch presentation
- Captive-breeding & Release Project, DES (2020). Watch video
- Back from the Bring: Richmond birdwing, Natura Pacific (2019). Watch video
Further reading
Articles & papers:
- Sands, D. (2008), Conserving the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly over two decades: Where to next?. Ecological Management & Restoration, 9: 4-16. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1442-8903.2008.00382.x
- Sands, D. (2008), Conserving the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly over two decades: Where to next?. Ecological Management & Restoration, 9: 4-16. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1442-8903.2008.00382.x
- Pyper, W. (2002). Butterfly effect: rethinking butterfly conservation. Wildlife Australia Magazine 39(4): 14-17
Latest RBCN news
Sightings Soar as Birdwings Return
Anecdotal sightings of these beautiful butterflies are rising as we continue our mission to ‘Bring Back the Birdwing’ and plant 1000 vines in specifically chosen corridors throughout South East Queensland.
WPSQ Projects Update: APRIL 2021
Butterflies and gliders and platys, oh my! Find out what the Wildlife Queensland projects team has been up to in April.
© Canva NFPRichmond Birdwing Butterfly Webinar
Join our FREE one-hour Wildlife Queensland webinar for a fascinating look at Australia’s largest sub-tropical butterfly, the Richmond birdwing butterfly. Learn about how a joint Captive Rearing and Release Project is helping to conserve this vulnerable species, and the secrets to cultivating and caring for birdwing butterfly vines, the Richmond birdwing butterfly’s host plant.