The Treasure of Taiwan---Papilio maraho

Papilio maraho is identified as the national butterfly of Taiwan. Its name derives from the feature of extra-wide tail of adult butterfly. The Japanese had given it the status of natural heritage during the period under Japanese rule. The host plant of Papilio maraho is Taiwan Sassafras and, because its scarcity, the living space of Papilio maraho is limited within the areas of Taipingshan and Mingchi. In early summer, it is just the season for Papilio maraho metamorphosing from pupa into butterfly. You are welcomed to Taipingshan to chase after this dreamlike butterfly.

The distribution area of Papilio maraho is very narrow and its habitat is dot-like distributed. Besides, due to its habitat loss and threatened by severe hunting pressure, Papilio maraho’s population in the wild decreases day by day. Currently, Ministry of Agriculture of Taiwan has announced it is listed as an endangered species according to local Wildlife Conservation Act.