Conservation of the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly in Australia

1. Birdwing butterflies and their conservation needs 1.1. Introduction 1.2. The birdwing butterflies 1.3. Birdwing relationships and distribution 1.4. Australian birdwings and their identities 1.5. Conservation concerns 1.6. Conservation of Australian birdwings 2. The Richmond birdwing butterfly 2.1. The Richmond birdwing: distribution and decline 2.2. Biology 2.3. Times of appearance, dispersal, population changes and migration of adults 2.4. Life history, recognition of early stages, natural enemies 2.5. Introduction to concerns and detection of threats 2.6. History of the Richmond birdwing conservation project 3. The food plants of the Richmond birdwing 3.1. Introduction: historical and biological background 3.2. Taxonomy and ecology of the food plant vines 3.3. Biology of the vines: pollinators, seed and capsule development 3.4. Identities of the subtropical Aristolochia and Pararistolochia vines 3.5. The 'stepping stone' hypothesis 3.6. Recording the distribution of Pararistolochia praevenosa and P. laheyana 3.7. Distinguishing the 'look-alike' vines from Pararistolochia spp. 3.8. Food plants: central importance in conservation planning 3.9. Propagation and cultivation of the food plants 4. The natural habitats and resources for the Richmond birdwing 4.1. Introduction: ecosystems supporting the Richmond birdwing and its food plants 4.2. The bioregions and limited distribution of vines 4.3. Subtropical plant communities associated with P. praevenosa in New South Wales and Queensland 4.4. Possible impacts from climate change 4.5. Locating habitats with the birdwing food plants and protecting their tenure - what is now needed? 4.6. Needs for remnant habitat conservation 4.7. Restoring bushland habitats on private and public land 4.8. Cultivation and distribution of the birdwing butterfly food plants: a core recovery activity 4.9. Other Aristolochia species as possible food plants for the Richmond birdwing 5. Conservation needs and early concerns 5.1. Summarizing the scenario: an initial perspective 5.2. Threats 5.3. The Draft Recovery Plan (1996) 6. Foundation of the programme: engaging the community 6.1. Perspective 6.2. Education programmes: school involvement and publicity 6.3. The birdwing propagation house 6.4. Increasing awareness 6.5. The Environmental Caretaker Network for the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly (1999-2000). 6.6. Overseas collaboration 6.7. The roles of Government Agencies and local Community Groups 6.8. Development of wider community and agency interests 7. Expanding the Programme. The development of community networks: their achievements and roles in conservation and recovery 7.1. The Richmond Birdwing Networks 7.2. The Richmond Birdwing Conservation Network 8. Habitat restoration and outcomes 8.1. Planning habitat restoration 8.2. Reducing the detrimental attraction of Dutchman's Pipe vine 8.3. Priority sites 8.4. Outcomes of flagship sites and corridors 8.5. Monitoring and recording 8.6. Internet website 8.7. Addressing inbreeding depression and ex situ conservation 9. Revising the Draft Recovery Plan 9.1. Introduction 9.2. Reviewing what has been accomplished 9.3. Research needed 9.4. Planning for the future 10. Broadening perspective References Appendices Index