NATURESCAPES.NET 2007 FLORA & MACRO GALLERY
HONORABLE MENTION

Saving the Harlequin
Image copyright Sunny Chir

The Harlequin (Taxila haquinus haquinus) is a small butterfly from the family Riodinidae and had not been seen on Singapore Island for a long time.  It was re-discovered in April 2006 at a localized suburban site, which was not within a designated nature reserve. Over a 20- month period, observations were made on the Harlequin's behavior, host plant, life cycle, ecology and habitat, and documented on our group's website. Then in October 2007, the Harlequin's habitat was threatened by development and a project to save the species through strategic translocation was initiated. To date, approximately 400 pupae and adult butterflies have been released into their new habitats, which were selected carefully on the basis of their similarity with the original habitat of the Harlequin. Canon 40D, Tamron 180mm, 580EX , 1/8s @ f/9, ISO 200, fill-flashed, monopod.

About the Photographer

I am a retired fighter pilot who picked up nature photography 2 years ago. I am fascinated by the beauty and grace of nature's flying jewels -- butterflies. They are my main subjects in this very rewarding hobby of mine. It takes lots of patience, practice and understanding of butterflies and their respective habitats to successfully photograph them in the wild.  I am glad that I am able to help in a small way with the effort to conserve the Harlequin on our small island state.  The progress of the Harlequin Project is updated at http://butterflycircle.blogspot.com/.