Mud, Mangroves and Maddeningly Elusive Butterfly Adventure Awaits

We are calling on intrepid mudskippers to join Friends of Parks Queensland on a guided walk through the mangroves of the southern Gold Coast as we search for one of Australia’s tiniest and rarest treasures – the Illidge’s ant-blue butterfly. Last recorded on the Gold Coast around 1990, this mysterious mangrove-dweller relies on a fascinating partnership with ants. With sharp eyes and a bit of luck, we might just help to rediscover a butterfly that is thought to have vanished from our region. Along the way, we’ll meet adorable ants with heart-shaped bottoms, experience the magic of mangroves, and likely be fooled by some fluttering lookalikes. Come and be part of a conservation story in the making!

Attendees will need to bring

Enclosed, sturdy shoes,
Long pants, long-sleeved shirt,
Hat and sunscreen,
Water,
Smartphone with the iNaturalist app downloaded.

No previous experience is required, just a willingness to learn about this elusive little butterfly and document species we find along the way. Citizen science records will be uploaded to iNaturalist. If you are new to iNaturalist, don't worry! We can teach you how to use it on the day.

Parking

Parking is available at David Fleay Wildlife Park.

Meeting Point

We will be expoloring Tchooby Reserve, from the south-west section of the carpark: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BtTcyAVH5Q3UKGcb9

We recommend this event for ages 16+, and a moderate level of physical fitness is required. Registration is eseential, as places are limited.

This project is made possible thanks to a City of Gold Coast - Community Partnerships Grant and is delivered in partnership with Wildlife Queensland.