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The presence of butterflies reflects the health of an ecosystem.[Courtesy]
Wilson Mwakulomba can identify nearly every tree that butterflies feed on, even with his eyes closed. He appears to have mastered the texture and scent of every fruit tree within Ngangao, a forest fragment that forms part of the larger Taita Hills Forest.
As a butterfly farmer supplying pupae to international markets, Wilson has perfected the art of rearing butterflies so well that his wife and two young children have incorporated the venture into their daily lives.
They can identify butterfly eggs on the leaves of specific plants, understand the different developmental stages, know what to feed them and when, and can also tell when they are ready for collection and sale.
