Southern Swallowtail
VU

Southern Swallowtail

Papilio alexanor

UnknownLCEULCEU

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

Overview

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

The Southern Swallowtail faces severe population declines across its Mediterranean range due to habitat destruction from agricultural intensification and urban development. Overgrazing by livestock has degraded the rocky hillsides where its host plants grow, while climate change is shifting suitable habitat to higher elevations. The species' fragmented populations are increasingly isolated, making recovery difficult even in protected areas.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Southern Swallowtail inhabits dry, rocky hillsides and mountain slopes with sparse vegetation in the Mediterranean region, typically between 500-2000 meters elevation. It requires areas with abundant Apiaceae plants, particularly wild fennel and other umbellifers that serve as larval host plants.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Southern Swallowtail classified as Vulnerable?
Southern Swallowtail 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. The Southern Swallowtail faces severe population declines across its Mediterranean range due to habitat destruction from agricultural intensification and urban development. Overgrazing by livestock has degraded the rocky hillsides where its host plants grow, while climate change is shifting suitable habitat to higher elevations. The species' fragmented populations are increasingly isolated, making recovery difficult even in protected areas.
Where does Southern Swallowtail live?
Southern Swallowtail occurs in Afghanistan, Albania, Armenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, and France (plus 20 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Southern Swallowtail?
The main threats to Southern Swallowtail 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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