| Natewa swallowtail | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Papilionidae |
| Genus: | Papilio |
| Species: | P. natewa
|
| Binomial name | |
| Papilio natewa Tennent, Chandra & Müller, 2018
| |
Papilio natewa, commonly known as the Natewa swallowtail, is a species of swallowtail butterfly in the family Papilionidae. It is endemic to the Natewa Peninsula of Vanua Levu, Fiji. Described in 2018 by John Tennent, Visheshni Chandra, and Chris J. Müller, it was identified from photographs sent to researchers by ornithologist Greg Kerr. Its discovery was remarkable due to how little-known the butterfly had been prior to its discovery, despite its showy appearance. It is one of three native swallowtails found in the region.
The Natewa swallowtail has an extremely limited range, and is one of the most range-restricted members of its family. Pressures have been exerted on the population due to development in the area, in addition to collectors who descended upon the island for the purposes of capturing their own specimens. Initiatives in protecting the Natewa Peninsula area, in addition to proposed breeding programmes by the locals can perhaps aid in preserving the Natewa swallowtail. It is currently listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
- ^ Chandra, V. (29 May 2019). "Papilio natewa: Chandra, V.: The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T151562583A151579117". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-1.RLTS.T151562583A151579117.en. S2CID 243171367. Archived from the original on 30 September 2021. Retrieved 24 January 2022.
© MMXXIII Rich X Search. We shall prevail. All rights reserved. Rich X Search