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Welcome to the South African Butterfly Breeding Association (SABBA).

The Experts in Breeding Butterflies since 1973

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South African Butterfly Breeding Association (SABBA) A Non Profit Company (NPC).Registration Number 2005/035553/08. Office at 1034, Fascadale Road, Ramsgate, 4285

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History

In 2004 the South African Butterfly breeding Association (SABBA) was founded by Earle Whiteley. The aims of this association are to study all South African butterfly species, especially those that have become endangered and in some cases have “became extinct”. The study of rare and endangered species led the organization to develop breeding programs to breed these butterflies with the idea of reintroducing them into the wild where colonies have dwindled to virtually nothing. Compared to other countries in the world, South African government, conservation bodies and most private sectors do not have a budget for the smaller things in nature. However, when it comes to the big 5 and other animals, much more effort is installed to promote our wild life heritage. Hence the South African Butterfly breeding Association (SABBA) does what it can with the limited resources it has.
Earle Founder of SABBA 2004

Founder of SABBA 2004

How did it all start?

For many years even before the South African Butterfly Breeding Association (SABBA) was founded, it was noted that there were many butterfly species in urban areas as well as out in the bush veld, grasslands and forested areas that have become displaced or even just disappeared. There was a huge marked difference from the 1980’s onwards in the decline of butterfly numbers and species. Many people in 2000 and onwards had noticed this decline and it became more evident as Earle’s team gave lectures to schools, garden clubs, library groups, social gatherings in promoting awareness programs where ever they could. Many people would claim that they had not seen a butterfly in years, maybe some were not observant.

In urban areas we found that there was definitely an impact between conservationists and developers, who in most cases did not care about the rare “frog in the back yard,” as so to say. This will be an issue for many years to come, but slow as it may be there has been an improvement in the co-working of developers, municipalities and conservationists.

In 1973, it became the mission of Earle’s group to start breeding butterflies in a big way and to reintroduce as many species as possible back into nature so that one day even our children’s children will have the opportunity to see our beautiful butterflies. So, in 2004 the NPC Company was founded and registered. Now the work began in a big way.

I&AP

Since 2004, many I&AP’s (Interested and Affected Parties) became members of the South African Butterfly Breeding Association (SABBA), and have used our services in avoiding unnecessary destruction of some rare butterfly species and their habitats. Performing many site inspection including EIA’s (Environmental Impact Assessments), bringing all I&AP to the table and finding reasonable solutions for development and conservation to co-exist side by side.
Due to this awareness being made and preached wherever we go to whomever will listen, many of the general public have enquired about having some information made available for them to start looking after their own individual properties and bring them into to line with conservation ethics. Over the years we have provided a consulting service for homeowners to be able to utilize even small areas of their gardens for the reintroduction of some butterfly species relatively common to their individual areas. For more information our clients can What’s-app us on the provided What’s-app icon seen below in the right hand corner of your screen.

Butterfly Breeding Courses

These extensive courses have made our certified breeders some of the best in the world. Even today our new breeders have to be certified by the National School of Lepidoptera (NSL).These courses were developed during 2023 and are updated periodically for your convenience. Based in the Western Cape. Also providing Courses online. See www.nationalsl.co.za for further information.

Our Services

Forming Working Groups

These Working Groups are from their individual communities that have concerns with development and feel that it may have a detrimental effect of their local environment. We provide these groups with the necessary data and address these concerns by performing small EIA’s (Environmental Impact Assessment) reports which will either validate their concerns or not.

Forming Conservation Committees

After a Working Group has identified and verified concerns, we assist in forming a Committee to address these validated issues, reaching out to government levels if necessary

Setting out Conservations Ethics and Programs

We assist in providing ethical programs to be used and implemented during the ongoing determination of getting these concerns approved and accepted by government, hence changing pre-agreed conclusions not vetted by government bodies.

Providing a Code of Conduct to be followed

From all this data a Code of Conduct is stipulated and implemented for the concerns being addressed.

Site inspections for new

  • Butterfly Sanctuaries
  • Butterfly Breeding
  • Centers
  • Independent Butterfly Breeding Stations
  • Butterfly Gardens
  • Butterfly Farms
  • Developments

Breeding Butterflies

Although we provide these services, our main objective is the welfare in breeding of butterflies. We spend thousands of hours each year in developing successful breed techniques, and are always discovering better and safer ways of breeding our butterflies. What makes it harder is the fact that not all butterfly species breed in the same expected standard way. Although, the basic life cycle is the same. In each phase of the life cycle there are independent needs and independent differences in their growth patterns. One species needs are not the same as another.

Research

The research done on any used breeding technique is diarized from the time that the gravid female begins to lay her eggs until the research program set out is completed at the emergence of the butterfly. Some butterfly species take a whole year from egg to butterfly. Each breeding brood is diarized every single day. And so discoveries are made by careful observations made by the breeder and confirmed by our experts.

Research Diaries

Our Research Diaries are probably the most advanced in the world. Having hundreds of completed and published works done by our breeders and substantiated by our expert scientists. Each stage of the life cycle is photographed and described and eventually when completed, a “paper” is compiled and then published. All Research Dairies are registered at the offices of Conservation of Butterflies in South Africa (CBISA).

Immerse yourself in a South African Nature Safari

Our Butterfly expeditions and Safari’s are unique. You get to spend a day or two with us and immerse yourself in nature’s wonders. Some of our Safari’s are into virgin territory that has never been explored before. You never know what may be found. Other Safari’s are based on information gleaned over the last 100 years of the whereabouts of butterflies that have become extinct. The rediscovery of these would be like winning the Conservation Awards. 

Immerse yourself in a South African Nature Safari (October - November 2026)

How the trip works.

Taking into consideration that not all enthusiasts have the time or opportunity for a long trip, we have devised a plan to allow anyone to join us at any stage of the trip. From any one place depicted on the map provided for a day or so as it would suit you. Dates, locations and distances are provided as to when and where we will be during the entire trip. (See planned days at each location) You spend the day with us; get a safari meal and good intellectual company. The day starts early, with a cup of coffee or tea and a snack at the camp fire, then out into the field. When we return from the field around 3pm, we all get to know each other, making new friendships and let our chef prepare our meal of the day around the camp fire. (From tasty curries/stews/spaghetti bolognaise/sandwiches and salads) Bring your own drinks. Anyone is welcome.

Making the team

Welcome to those interested in hiking birding, butterflies, general insects, moths, lizards, small mammals, photography and or just a day or two out with us in the field.
As you host on this safari, I would love to meet you and provide you with an unforgettable experience. Join me for a day or two with nature’s unforgettable secrets revealed.

Lectures on safari

Schools, garden clubs, photographic clubs, book clubs and enthusiasts of nature groups. Invite us to provide you with unique lectures and insights on butterflies and our safari’s

WhatsApp group: October 2026 Safari (074 422 5577) Send us a WhatsApp to make arrangements to join us for a day or so. You won’t regret it.

New PDF Release

For all butterfly gardening enthusiasts. This is a must publication. Providing you with the secrets of how to make a butterfly friendly garden. Anywhere in your garden at home.

Download PDF

iLepSafari – A rare butterfly Eicochrysops hippocrates f. transinii female discovered in 2014 by Earle Whiteley in Ramsgate KZN

iLepSafari – Lionel Reesberg showing a volunteer part of the breeding process of a butterfly species 2025

iLepSafari – Eastern Cape , Mboyti location, one of our favourite stops on our coastal expeditions. 2022

iLepSafari – A newly formed chrysalis of the butterfly Myrina silenus female on the host plant Ficus sir in Ramsgate, KZN 2020

iLepSafari – Govind on a photographic safari near Mosselbay (WC) in 2025 with Earle Whiteley as safari guide.

iLepSafari –Camping group tents at Mboyti camping grounds, where we often go on safari to find new places not seen before. 2026

iLepSafari – A frequent visitor in grassy areas near forest edges, rocky outcrops and sand dune vegetation areas. Spialia spio 2025

iLepSafari – Director of Conservation of butterflies in South Africa (CBISA) and iLepSafar in South Africa (Lepsa) 2024

iLepSafari – Happy to bathe in the sun on war. Precis Octavia. Especially in the early mornings. Earle Whiteley in Ramsgate KZN 2000

iLepSafari – In North West again. A lovely trek in the hills to find some common birds and butterflies. Earle Whiteley in North West. 2026

iLepSafari – Earle Whiteley hunting in the coastal bush for butterflies. This luscious indigenous Stralizia natalensis vegetation. 2026

iLepSafari – A Stew at Mbotyi. 2026. Every day our chef prepares a lovely meal on the fire, except when the weather is bad, then on a gas stove.

iLepSafari – A walk for a rare butterfly. Aloides southieye . 2026. Dr. David Edge, (Middle) Stehaan (left) and Earle Whiteley. (not in pic)

iLepSafari – Not seen so often Chrysoritis thysbe female 2026 by Earle Whiteley in Mossellbay (WC).

iLepSafari – Butterfly eggs (Ovum) Acraea acara acara bred by Earle Whiteley 2025 in Ruiterbosch in the WC.

iLepSafari – Part of Mboyti Forrest. Where many butterfly species are found. Safari with Lionel Reesberg and Earle Whiteley 2026 (EC)

iLepSafari – Lionel Reesberg chasing a butterfly he has not seen before. Leeukloof, near Mosselbay in the

iLepSafari – Part of Mboyti Campsite. Where many enthusiasts like to chill out after a day in the bush. Its great

iLepSafari –A volunteer taking part in the breeding process of a butterfly species under Lionel Reesberg’s

iLepSafari – Many times it will be asked. What butterfly is this? 2025. Photo taken in Caledon on an empty

Western Cape. 2025

iLepSafari – Busy laying her eggs. Leptotes pirithous pirithous female Photographed in Wilderness 2024 near the railway line (WC)

Fun and inspirational 2025. (EC)

iLepSafari – A Mutton Curry at Mbotyi. Every day our chef prepares a lovely meal on the fire with rice and salads. 2026.

Guidance. 2025

iLepSafari – Crafts 2026. Made from dead specimens that have died after laying all their eggs and mounted in their natural position.

Plot. (NW) – Aloides taikossama

iLepSafari – Crafts 2026. Made from dead specimens that have died after laying all their eggs and mounted in their natural position.

iLepSafari – Collections 2025. Made from dead specimens that have died after completing their full life cycles.

iLepSafari – Collections 2026. Made from dead specimens that have died after completing their full life cycles.

iLepSafari – Collections 1831 -1907 The entire Aliph collection passed on to his illegitimate son William, who passed in 1925. The collection went to his son Aurhur Whiteley – in 1930

iLepSafari – Belinois thysa thysa (Gynandromorphy) Transvaal, 3/5/1954 Woodbush, DA Swanepoel, Whiteley Collection

iLepSafari – Junonia oneone oneone (Gynandromorphy) OVSl, 27/2/2011 Bloemfontien, Craig Hope, Whiteley Collection

iLepSafari – Acraea acara acara (Gynandromorphy) Zululandl, 7/4/1948 Moiila Forest, DE Whiteley, Whiteley Collection

iLepSafari – Papilio cenea cenea (Gynandromorphy) Kwa-Zulu Natal, 15/12/1964 LaLicia, DE Whiteley, (Bred) Whiteley Collection

iLepSafari – Charaxes citheron citheron (Gynandromorphy) Kwa-Zulu Natal, 17/3/1959 Isipingo Hills, DE Whiteley, (trapnet) Whiteley Collection

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Code of Conduct

FIRST PRINCIPLES

The South African Butterfly Breeding Association’s (SABBA) prime purpose is the conservation of wild populations of butterflies and moths and their habitats in South Africa. This entails encouraging people to observe, appreciate and understand the needs of living insects. The issue of collecting butterflies and moths is controversial and it is unlikely that of any code that will be completely acceptable to everybody. This code is based on the principle that no Lepidoptera should be killed or collected casually, unthinkingly or without good reason, and that collecting, should never be carried out in a way that would endanger, or have any adverse effect on any population of non-pest Lepidoptera.

COMMERCIAL COLLECTING and TRADING

Collecting for commercial purposes is not in the best interests of Lepidoptera Conservation in South Africa and the South African Butterfly Breeding Association (SABBA) supports all measures to regulate trading of butterflies and moths. Members should be aware of the legislation covering the sale of particular species; such is found in the red data list and be prepared to assist the authorities in monitoring and upholding the law. Members are strongly urged not to support the trade in protected species through the purchase of stock from commercial breeders. A code of conduct on livestock rearing for members and educational purposes has been implemented by the South African Butterfly Breeding Association, (SABBA) in 2014.

COLLECTING for REARING and RELEASE

Collecting for captive rearing purposes can have a legitimate educational objective and can be a useful way of understanding some of the details of the life history of butterflies and moths. However, scarce species should not be collected at all, unless as an integral part of a conservation program approved by the Conservation authorities and other leading conservation bodies. For such purposes it is preferable to collect the earlier life cycle stages of a species rather than the adult form and to collect from non-conservation sites. Should a collector want to breed butterflies, he/she undertakes to be members of the South African Butterfly Breeding Association, (SABBA), for the correct procedures and according to a Code of Conduct presented by the organization. Restraint should be exercised in the numbers of eggs and larvae taken for rearing and any release should be onto the sites from which they were originally collected. Releases should be reported to the appropriate South African Butterfly Breeding Association’s (SABBA) offices. A recommended 15 percent of butterflies should be released from a single brood.

BREEDING BUTTERFLIES

Due to the great demand to discover the secrets of successful and proper breeding methods, it is essential that intended breeders of the general public acquire a CoC certificate from the National School of Lepidoptera (NSL). Note: The contents of this code should not be construed as reasons for failing to comply with the law concerning protected Lepidoptera. If any person is uncertain as to the legal requirements for PERMITS regarding the legitimate possession of specimens of protected species or captive breeding stock for commercial purposes, advice should be sought from the relevant bodies such as the South African Butterfly Breeding Association’s (SABBA), Conservation of Butterflies in South Africa (CBISA), Department of Environment &Tourism, Conservation Services, or WESSA.

*Note

The contents of this code should not be construed as reasons for failing to comply with the law concerning protected Lepidoptera. If any person is uncertain as to the legal requirements for PERMITS regarding the legitimate possession of specimens of protected species or captive breeding stock for commercial purposes, advice should be sought from the relevant bodies such as the South African Butterfly Breeding Association’s (SABBA), Conservation of Butterflies in South Africa (CBISA), Department of Environment &Tourism, Conservation Services, or WESSA.

Sponsors

Anyone has the opportunity to sponsor part of our safari trip, with either a camping place (grounds) or donations. We will carry your banner (pamphlet, video, adverts on this site as well as on facial media platforms) to every location we are going.

Affiliations

Conservation of Butterflies in South Africa (CBISA) 1973 – 2026
The National School of Lepidoptera (NSL) 2023 – 2026

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