Comment on the efficacy of Queensland nature conservation legislation in relation to Acrodipsas illidgei (Waterhouse and Lyell) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae: Theclinae)

Abstract

This discussion paper highlights shortcomings of the conservation regulations with respect to Illidge's Ant-blue Acrodipsas iIIidgei (Waterhouse and Lyell). The legislation has many deficiencies which are not fully realized until they have been experienced first hand. A. illidgei provides a case study of an unforeseen practical effect of Queensland conservation legislation, namely the actual hindering of conservation through the regulations controlling scientific activities and amateur collecting and study. The permit regulations appear virtually impossible to enforce and probably have no significant effect on collecting activity. Moreover, the legislation discourages the study and monitoring of listed species. A number of suggested measures to improve the efficacy of conservation legislation are indicated.