South African Butterflies have been caught for centauries by collectors from all over the world. Especially along its costal regions. And in 1942 it was claimed by the British Museum (BM) that the Natal South Coast has been thoroughly worked out and that there are no butterflies left here to discover. But in 1973, Deryck E. Whiteley, a Durban collector discovered three new butterfly species in Margate, in the area known Reservoir Hill, next to the Margate airport. Named by collectors as such due to the two large water reservoirs on the top of the hill, now adjacent to Unit 3 Margate.

Then in 2001 in Ramsgate, Earle Whiteley, discovered the 'Ramsgate Piper' (seen on the left). Earle's research on this butterfly, surpasses all expectations of a new species.  It is also the first evolutionary species discovered in Africa. This is equivalent to discovering a new dinosaur. So remarkable were these findings, that for corroboration purposes,  two specimens were sent to the British Museum (BM) in London. Their research, took five years after which it was proclaimed to be one of the most remarkable butterfly discoveries. This vas validated by an expert in the 'Piper" (Eurytela) family, which this butterfly belongs to by Steve Collins in Nairobi.

In the mean time Earle has managed to breed winter broods and summer broods of this rare and endangered butterfly which have been released back into their natural habitat along the Umvutshini River in Ramsgate. Also Known as the 'Little Billy' River.

Here Earle Whiteley is congratulated by some of the experts in their field in South Africa. Picture Right: (From left) Dr. Reiner Terblanch, from the university of Potchefstroom and Dr David Edge (right) from the Brenton Blue Butterfly in Knysna congratulate Earle Whiteley on his discovery of Eurytela vashti, a new species he discovered in Ramsgate several years ago.

The land on which this butterfly species has a small colony, the only colony in existence today, has been bought by Conservation of Butterflies in South Africa (CBISA) and headed by Earle Whiteley.

A project has been set up in which to allow the New Butterfly Sanctuary, to attain a status of being self supportive. This will be done by including a small development of four units, to generate an income for the upkeep of the sanctuary. One of these units will be placed in a draw for those of you who pledge one hundred rand towards the conservation of this rare butterfly species. (see, your new home).

Conservation of Butterflies in South Africa (CBISA) feels strongly, that it should thank the general public for their support over the last eight years, and in so doing offers you the opportunity to win a stunning house. All persons who have made the pledge to conserve our unique butterfly species will automatically be placed in this draw. (See, Placing your pledge).

For those of you who have already pledged, see that you correct name spelling is correctly placed on this website. (See Pledgee names).