Species protection in Australia

Adopt a caterpillar

Australia is home to numerous rare animal species — many of which are threatened with extinction. One of these species is the Richmond Birdwing, a colorful butterfly that can be found in the subtropical regions of New South Wales. As more and more people move into these areas, however, the Birdwing's habitat continues to shrink and its numbers are declining steadily.

As a contribution to species protection, therefore, Bayer Australia is supporting an ambitious project dedicated to saving the Birdwing butterfly: the "Adopt-a-Caterpillar Scheme". A number of activities are being undertaken to educate people about what makes this species so unique, which habitat they require and what individual people can do to protect these rare butterflies from extinction. The campaign especially targets the region's schools.

For example, animal lovers who want to help the Birdwing butterfly can plant the Richmond Birdwing vine in their gardens, and thus create a habitat for the sensitive animals. In specially constructed biotopes, schoolchildren can also "adopt" and help raise the caterpillars that will later become Birdwing butterflies.

This method of species protection without "pointing fingers" has been well received in Australia. 280 schools have become involved in Bayer's education campaign, which is being supported by the Australian research organization CSIRO as a key element of the official Birdwing protection campaign.

Incidentally, the Birdwing butterfly project helped Bayer Australia win a coveted prize: two years ago the company's commitment was recognized with the "Australian Financial Review 2000 Sponsorship Award".