This survey of one the longest insect conservation campaigns in
Australia deals with recovery of one of the most iconic endemic
butterflies, the Richmond birdwing, threatened by clearance and
fragmentation of subtropical rainforest in eastern Australia and the
spread of an alien larval food-plant. Its conservation has involved many
aspects of community involvement, developed over more than 20 years, and
focused on habitat restoration and weed eradication, in conjunction with
conservation of remaining forest fragments. The work has involved the
entire historical range of the butterfly, addressed threats and
emphasised landscape connectivity, and has enhanced recovery through
extensive plantings of native food plants. Interest has been maintained
through extensive publicity, community education and media activity, and
the programme has provided many lessons for advancing insect
conservation practice in the region.