BUTTERFLIES OF PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

Butterflies are well known and widely admired for their beauty, and they also serve as important indicators of environmental change. In Peninsular Malaysia, they are among the most studied insect groups in terms of taxonomy. An important prior review of the state of their conservation by Kirton (1991) raised concerns about increasing pressures on butterfly populations, particularly the destruction of natural habitats and human exploitation. The review emphasised the need for permanent protection across different habitats and geographical zones, as well as stronger measures to reduce exploitation. It also highlighted the importance of establishing a national conservation status assessment. Almost 30 years later, these concerns remain highly relevant, especially the continued loss of natural habitats. Human exploitation persists and is particularly worrying for species that have restricted distributions. In addition, climate change poses another major threat that is unlikely to be mitigated. This presentation revisits the 1991 recommendations by Kirton and considers recent developments. We assess the progress that has been made and identify issues that still require attention. We suggest updated recommendations to strengthen butterfly conservation in the future. These include promoting cooperation in long-term monitoring efforts by butterfly specialists, local communities, and naturalists, prioritising conservation of species with narrow distributions, and designating Important Butterfly Areas.