CONSERVATION
IUCN Redlist category Least Concern (IUCN 2020)
Rationale for redlist categorization Atrophaneura priapus has been listed as Least Concern. The species has an estimated extent of occurrence between 56,700 and 183,000 km2 across Java, Indonesia. However, there is no information regarding population trends of this species, with data lacking to also make conclusions regarding the impacts of threats. There is however evidence that the species occurs in a number of habitats across its range, with evidence also showing the species may occur in disturbed habitats. Given that the species could be subjected to localised threats therefore, improved monitoring on the population trends and threats of this species would be beneficial towards further conservation planning. (IUCN 2020)
Threat category Species mortality|Species disturbance,Ecosystem conversion|Ecosystem degradation|Indirect ecosystem effects (IUCN 2020)
Cause of stress Mining & quarrying,Increase in fire frequency/intensity,Housing & urban areas,Unintentional effects (species is not the target) (IUCN 2020)
Described Threats There is very little information on the threats to this species in the literature. Although found in trade, it is unknown whether this has a significant impact on the species. Across the range of this species however, there may be localised threats in particular localities, regions or affecting certain subspecies. Its area of occupancy may be impacted by environmental degradation and fragmentation. As a WWF (2018) report suggests, the island of Java has seen vast increases in environmental degradation due to rising populations, anthropogenic fires, soil erosion (brought on by fires), illegal farming and felling within protected areas and gathering of terrestrial plants (the Altingia excelsa tree has for instance been completely wiped out). (IUCN 2020)
Commercial use Specimens of this species (including specimens of subspecies priapus ) can be found on online websites (such as Ebay) for approximately $13 (information accessed in October 2018). (IUCN 2020)
Kind of conservation needed Site/area protection,Site/area management (IUCN 2020)
Applied conservation actions In a previous status assessment of the world's swallowtails, this species was not known to be threatened, although its definite status remained uncertain and required further monitoring (Collins and Morris 1985). There are no species-specific conservation actions in place, but the species may occur in a number of protected areas. Protected areas cover 7% of the Javanese island, with Ujung Kulon National Park being the largest (WWF 2018f). Conservation International (2018) additionally works closely with the Javanese communities in the Gedepahala region to restore degraded forest landscapes, including reforestation and community education. Inventories of butterfly species in protected areas would improve our ability to assess protection measures already in place. Additionally, population monitoring would be beneficial. (IUCN 2020)
REFERENCES
- Collins, N.M. and Morris, M.G. 1985. Threatened Swallowtail Butterflies of the World. The IUCN Red Data Book. IUCN, Gland and Cambridge.
- IUCN. 2020. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2020-3. Available at: www.iucnredlist.org. (Accessed: 10 December 2020).
- WWF 2018f: Morrison, J. Indonesia: island of Java. (Accessed: 10th September 2018).