Over 40 Pct Of Southeast Asia's Butterflies Face Extinction Risk

MELAKA, June 6 (Bernama) -- More than 40 per cent of butterfly populations in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, could face extinction within the next 50 years unless comprehensive conservation efforts are implemented consistently, according to findings cited by the Melaka Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary.

Its managing director Gerard Wong said such efforts should include raising public awareness of the importance of butterfly and environmental conservation, as well as breeding endangered butterfly species.

He said species at risk include the Clipper, Yellow Birdwing and Giant Tree Nymph.

Wong said findings from a study conducted by researchers from Universiti Malaya should serve as a wake-up call, as butterflies play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance.

"They are among the key pollinators that support the reproduction of various plants and flowers. The extinction of these insects would have adverse effects on the natural environment and disrupt food chains that support other living organisms, including humans," he told reporters here today.

He was speaking after a butterfly release ceremony and the presentation of a Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) certificate in conjunction with the 35th anniversary celebration of the Melaka Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary, officiated by Yang Dipertua Negeri of Melaka Tun Mohd Ali Rustam.

Elaborating, Wong said the sanctuary has undertaken various initiatives to help preserve threatened species, including butterfly breeding programmes through three laboratories and public awareness campaigns such as the Butterfly Chrysalis Adoption Programme.

He said more than 200,000 butterflies are successfully bred at the facility each year, with 10 per cent released into the surrounding environment as part of conservation efforts.

"The breeding programmes are not easy to sustain because we are a small private company and are not profit-oriented. For the past 35 years, our focus has been on research and butterfly breeding.

"However, every stage of the breeding process and conservation programme requires substantial funding and we rely solely on ticket sales from visitors to the sanctuary," he said.

Wong said visitor numbers remained relatively low last year, with about 150,000 people visiting the sanctuary, which was insufficient to cover its operating costs.

Earlier, a total of 1,698 butterflies from 15 species bred at the Melaka Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary were released as part of conservation efforts, earning recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records under the category of "Largest Butterfly Release in a Conservation Event".

The certificate was presented by MBOR chief executive officer Christopher Wong to Gerard, witnessed by Mohd Ali.

-- BERNAMA