Papilio phorbanta
VU

Papilio phorbanta

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papilio_phorbanta

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Papilio phorbanta faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as Mauritius's native forests are cleared for agriculture and urban development. The species is particularly vulnerable due to its dependence on specific host plants that are themselves becoming increasingly rare. Invasive plant species further degrade remaining forest fragments, while the butterfly's limited flight range restricts its ability to colonize new suitable habitats.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Mauritian swallowtail butterfly inhabits remnant patches of native upland forest, particularly areas with dense canopy cover and its specific host plants. The species requires intact forest ecosystems with minimal disturbance, typically found in the island's remaining mountainous forest reserves.

Other threatened species in PAPILIONIDAE

Ludlow's Bhutan GloryEN

Ludlow's Bhutan Glory

Bhutanitis ludlowi

Unknown
VU

Papilio natewa

Unknown
VU

Talaud Black Birdwing

Troides dohertyi

Unknown
VU

Papilio carolinensis

Unknown

Threatened in France

VU

Lepiota echinella

Unknown
VU

Copper Shark

Carcharhinus brachyurus

Declining
EN

Lyophyllum deliberatum

Unknown
VU

Large Tree-chernes

Dendrochernes cyrneus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Papilio phorbanta classified as Vulnerable?
Papilio phorbanta is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Papilio phorbanta faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as Mauritius's native forests are cleared for agriculture and urban development. The species is particularly vulnerable due to its dependence on specific host plants that are themselves becoming increasingly rare. Invasive plant species further degrade remaining forest fragments, while the butterfly's limited flight range restricts its ability to colonize new suitable habitats.
Where does Papilio phorbanta live?
Papilio phorbanta occurs in France, Madagascar, Mauritius, Réunion, and Senegal. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Papilio phorbanta?
The main threats to Papilio phorbanta are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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