The Richmond birdwing butterfly (𝑶𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂 𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒉𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒂) is the largest butterfly in subtropical eastern #Australia. But unfortunately the species has suffered a decrease in range and a decline in abundance, and certain populations have become isolated and inbred, sometimes leading to their local extinction. We are leading a successful captive-breeding program, selectively mating birdwings from different geographic locations to achieve increased genetic diversity. The prog