IABES Awards Butterfly Pavilion’s Shiran Hershcovich Newest Board Member!

Shiran Hershcovich, Lepidopterist Manager at Butterfly Pavilion, is the newest member of the International Association of Butterfly Exhibitors & Suppliers (IABES) board of directors! She will be completing a 3-year term in her new position. Congratulations Shiran – this is an exciting and well-deserved achievement!

IABES is the world’s only organization specifically focused on butterfly exhibition and breeding. Their mission is to protect wild butterflies and their natural habitats. No other organization brings together more butterfly exhibitors and breeders. IABES also works to support lepidopterans – an order of insect that includes butterflies and moths – through direct financial support for conservation and research efforts with the purpose of protecting wild butterflies and their habitats.  

They do so by: 

• Promoting sustainable butterfly exhibits and their suppliers 

• Supporting conservation, research, and public education 

• Promoting public education and awareness by supporting butterfly exhibitions like those at Butterfly Pavilion 

“I’m most excited to strengthen the bridge between butterfly farms and exhibits. I consider it a privilege to work with our global partners and among so many different perspectives and backgrounds,” said Shiran. “And of course, being from the tropics myself, I’m passionate about creating a safer tomorrow for our tropical rainforests through the sustainable butterfly industry.”  

Shiran is passionate about expanding the understanding of Lepidopteran biology, ecology, and welfare and is currently running a longevity study here at Butterfly Pavilion’s conservatory, Wings of The Tropics. The purpose of this study is to develop best welfare practices for butterflies under human care and increase understanding of their life cycle. You can help participate in the longevity study through “Butterfly Quest,” an engaging, fun, and interactive event where you assist with Butterfly Pavilion research! Learn more about how visitors like YOU can help scientists like Shiran gather crucial data here while visiting Butterfly Pavilion, February 22 – March 20.   

To learn more about IABES or get involved, visit their website, here!