Our specimens are sourced from old private collections which have been previously owned. This means we do not always know their first point of origin however by the time they come to us, they are often second- or even third-hand.
We do not source any specimens directly from the wild nor do we support the unsustainable and unethical harvesting of wild populations.
If you would like to find out more about the sourcing of a particular specimen, get in touch!
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates the international trade of taxidermy butterflies, as well as other wildlife specimens, to ensure that trade does not threaten the survival of wild populations.
When CITES was first established in 1975, the primary focus was on regulating the international trade of live animals and plants. Taxidermy specimens were not initially a major concern.
Over time however, it became clear that the trade in dead specimens, including taxidermy butterflies, could also have significant impacts on wild populations. This is because the demand for such specimens can drive unsustainable levels of collection.