BENEFITING FROM BUTTERFLIES

Butterflies are under threat in South Africa. Many local communities living on the edges of forests and grasslands harvest the surrounding vegetation in an unsustainable manner. Butterflies rely on specific host plants to eat and lay their eggs. When these are removed the insects suffer. The Butterfly Route, located across the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, was developed by the African Conservation Trust. This project consists of community owned butterfly domes accompanied by nurseries, breeding facilities and interpretation rooms. This article shows how visitors can experience these fascinating insects up close, gaining knowledge and memories, while also benefiting local communities. The project shows the importance of sustainable practices and wildlife conservation in a way that both visitors and locals can learn from. Classic Escapes offers several trips to South Africa that venture to spectacular places where travelers experience natural and cultural encounters beyond compare, while also highlighting the importance of conservation.