Are there benefits to rearing and releasing butterflies?
“The Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Butterfly World” by Paul Smart in its introduction, states: Sadly, butterflies are threatened by habitat destruction almost everywhere . . . . In some countries people have begun to conserve desirable wildlife, but even here many important food plants are regarded as ‘weeds’ and removed—patches of rough, wild vegetation are anathema to town planners and highway authorities . . . . a positive contribution may be made by aiding conservation projects and by helping to breed and release healthy butterflies in suitable habitats, though this should always be done as part of a documented and properly organized project.” The IBBA believes that by releasing butterflies on special occasions, individuals will associate the magnificence of butterflies with a very significant event in their lives. The love and appreciation for butterflies will initiate interest in butterfly gardening, encourage the decreased use of insecticides by property owners and help in eff
