Otto Feldner

Otto Feldner
Breeding and Conservation Expert Austria

ROLE

Breeding and conservation actions

COUNTRY

Austria

ORGANISATION

The European Wilderness Society is an Austria-based conservation organization dedicated to preserving Europe’s last remaining wilderness areas and promoting sustainable coexistence between humans and nature. As a key partner in the LIFE Apollo2020 project, the society leverages its extensive expertise in habitat restoration, biodiversity conservation, and stakeholder engagement to support the recovery of the endangered Apollo butterfly (Parnassius apollo). With a focus on innovative solutions and community collaboration, the European Wilderness Society ensures the project’s success in restoring vital habitats and fostering long-term ecological resilience.

ABOUT

My interest in butterflies began when I was 12 years old (1963). Collecting and breeding were already on the agenda at that time. Starting in 1975 I started to breed different subspecies of the Parnassius Apollo. Since 1980 I have been an active member of the Haus der Natur (Department: Entomology), I have been breeding, observing and collecting butterflies and especially the Parnassius Apollo in the regions of Pinzgau, adjacent Tyrol and Bavaria for more than 50 years now., Also in 1973 – I started to all record all of those observations which be found in my own archive and in the Haus der Natur in Salzburg. I also cooperate with the Salzburg Department of Nature Conservation and in several EU Projects in successful habitat restoration and Parnassius Apollo reintroduction Projects. I will share my 50 years of experience with the Apollo2020 team.

Being an eager photographer myself, I possess extensive photographic material of native species, including of course Parnassius apollo in their respective stages.

#followapollo and the efforts of our team! Combined skills in breeding, conservation of habitats, research, environmental education, and project management constitute a great combination for the success of our LIFE project.

Subscribe to our newsletter and receive the latest news on butterfly conservation!