[PCA] Seeking info on programs that "certify" captive rearing programs for butterflies? HERE'S WHAT YOU SAID

[De Angelis, Patricia]

Some of you asked me to share what I learned...

Overall, it appears that there may not be a certification or "certifying
authority" for captive rearing *per se*.  Here is what folks said:



AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums)…is the certifying agency for Zoos and
Aquariums. Within AZA are Taxon Advisory Groups, or TAGs . Butterflies
would probably be under the Terrestrial Invertebrate TAG (CONTACT TITAG
<http://www.titag.org/contact.html>). The invertebrate TAG chair could
probably answer some questions related to certification etc. Zoos and
Aquariums have to deal with USFWS, USDA, etc etc for permitting to keep and
to move animals around, they also have to maintain AZA certification. I
know a lot of zoos are interested in butterflies, and locally some are
working to help with Karner Blue habitat restoration. But since butterflies
are not charismatic megafauna the rules might be not as well-developed.
Except for importing them, USDA...regulates them because...they are worried
about parasites coming in. Quarantines for live insects can be a nightmare,
so there are a number of breeding programs in the US now. *From Susannah
Corona, Ecological Technician (Town of Winthrop, Massachusetts).*



I don’t know of any organization that certifies captive breeding programs
of native lepidoptera. If you intend to breed species of conservation
concern, explain what you intend to do to the organization that protects it
and request a permit. If the species is not protected, I doubt that
certification is necessary. If you want to breed exotic species, contact
your local butterfly house for suggestions. They might be able to help you
get in contact with someone for more information.* From Phillip Koenig,
Lepidopterist (Missouri).*



Which butterfly species are you thinking of rearing? I've seen lots of
programs at zoos involved in captive rearing. I have not heard of any
institution working to certify people, but if you tell me what you are
looking for. I can point you in the right direction (Mona’s email
<runmede at gmail.com>).* From Mona Miller, Master Gardener, Master
Naturalist, & administrator of the Facebook page, Raising Butterflies and
Moths for Conservation (Virginia).*



Two programs by the same group…..

o    *http://afbeducation.org/butterfly-education/disease-prevention-seal/
<http://afbeducation.org/butterfly-education/disease-prevention-seal/>*

o    *http://afbeducation.org/ophryocystis-elektroscirrha-oe/
<http://afbeducation.org/ophryocystis-elektroscirrha-oe/>*

*From John Barr, Native Cottage Gardens (Austin, Texas) *



Missouri Botanical Gardens – they operate the Sachs Butterfly House
<http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/visit/family-of-attractions/butterfly-house/about-the-butterfly-house.aspx>
.

*From Dona Bergman, Master Gardener (City of Evansville, Indiana).*



I'd recommend reaching out to our regional Monarch coordinator, Samantha
Marcum <samantha_marcum at fws.gov>, or Xerces staff
<https://xerces.org/staff/>. *From John M. Taylor, FWS Biologist (Palm
Springs, California
<https://maps.google.com/?q=777+East+Tahquitz+Canyon+Way,+Suite+208+Palm+Springs,+CA%C2%A0+92262&entry=gmail&source=g>).*



Would Xerces <https://xerces.org/staff/> be a good source for leads?* From
Sam Friedman, FWS Botanist (Roseburg Field Office, Oregon).*

Ask at Monarch Watch (monarch at ku.edu). *From Becky Erickson, Monarch
Watch/U Kansas (Lawrence, Kansas).*



I wonder if the context of captive rearing certification has to do with
conservation breeding/rearing for reintroduction...there's no certification
process but I do have a strong network of colleagues doing the work and of
course our projects might provide some information. Some butterfly houses
in zoos or universities (that have a freezing winter) raise their own
tropical butterflies...

...In the context of the pollinator/garden groups, a butterfly garden
certification may be part of the question.  Here are the ones I know:

o
https://butterflies.naba.org/conserve/butterfly-garden-habitat-program-certification/

o     https://www.monarchwatch.org/waystations/certify.html

*From Paige Howorth <phoworth at sandiegozoo.org>, Curator of Invertebrates at
SD Zoo (California.)*

Thank you for the great responses! It's a great reminder of the reach and
great membership on this list.


On Fri, Aug 10, 2018 at 10:48 AM, De Angelis, Patricia <
patricia_deangelis at fws.gov> wrote:

> Hello All,
>
> Since I assume plants would have to be involved, I figure someone on this
> list might know if there are any certification programs - via zoos or other
> institutional entity - that certifies butterfly captive rearing programs in
> the US?
>
> Thanks!
>
>
>
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