Wang Jingli wangjingli0715@163.com AN event featuring the release of tagged Danainae butterflies took place at Tanglang Mountain Country Park in Nanshan District on Friday, marking Shenzhen’s official entry into the global Danainae mark-release network. Experts from Hong Kong’s Fung Yuen Butterfly Reserve shared knowledge of the migration patterns of Danainae butterflies in Asia and discussed the tag-release study with over 30 local butterfly reserve volunteers before they participated in the release. Danainae, a subfamily of the family Nymphalidae, are commonly known as milkweed butterflies. The unique butterflies possess a longer lifespan than other butterfly species and tend to congregate in forests and valleys to survive cold winters. Butterfly tagging involves capturing migrating butterflies, marking their wings, and releasing them back into the wild to track their migration routes. By studying these butterflies, researchers can gain a better understanding of their behaviors, conservation requirements, and migratory patterns. Currently, activities related to tagging and releasing Danainae butterflies have been carried out in various countries and regions. According to volunteers from the Fung Yuen Butterfly Reserve, collaboration between experts from Shenzhen and Hong Kong can enhance knowledge of Danainae butterfly migration routes in Asia. A Brit with the Fung Yuen reserve who identified herself as Sharon expressed admiration for the beauty of the Tanglang park and her intention to revisit. “I’m a citizen scientist with a passion for nature and ecological conservation, be it trees, plants, butterflies, or birds. I believe today’s event is a significant step forward. I aim to inspire others to appreciate their natural surroundings,” Sharon said. Tanglang Mountain Country Park is home to about 50 butterfly species, according to the city’s park management authority. To explore butterfly diversity in Shenzhen, similar activities will be held at Maluan Mountain Country Park and Futian Mangrove Ecological Park. | 