Kenya: Butterfly collector aims to protect research centre

Steve Collins, the owner of a renowned butterfly research center in Nairobi, is striving to secure the future of his life’s work—a vast collection of millions of butterflies. Situated on a 1.5-acre plot of land, the center is home to hundreds of trees and flowering plants, creating an ideal environment for breeding butterflies. Collins, a passionate butterfly enthusiast, is now seeking financial support and a long-term guardian to ensure the survival of his collection after he is no longer able to care for it.

Collins’ fascination with nature began at an early age. Growing up near Mt. Elgon in Kenya, he developed a deep love for the natural world. “I’ve always learned about nature since I was a very small boy,” Collins reflects. “We spent the first 28 years of our lives up in Mt. Elgon, but I have been working on butterflies since I was five years old, and it got really quite serious from about the age of nine.” This early passion blossomed into a lifelong career devoted to the study and conservation of butterflies.

Today, Collins’ Butterfly Research Centre is home to one of the largest butterfly collections in the world. “This collection here is the biggest collection of African butterflies in the world,” he proudly states. “It is 1.2 million pinned butterflies and 3 million others, which is very difficult to understand in terms of size. It is huge.” The collection represents decades of dedication, and Collins has invested countless hours researching and preserving these delicate creatures. However, the task of maintaining such an extensive collection is both a monumental responsibility and a considerable challenge.

Despite the impressive scale of his work, Collins acknowledges that he faces significant challenges in ensuring the future of the center. “For us, for the future, is to get some financial support to get the biodiversity going and to actually find a safe home for this Butterfly Research Centre when Collins is no longer here,” he explains. Collins is actively seeking funding and hopes to find an individual or institution willing to safeguard the center and continue the important research being done there.

In addition to his research, Collins has written eight books over his 60-year career. These publications cover various aspects of butterfly biology, conservation, and the environmental importance of these insects. His work has contributed significantly to the field, and he has become a respected figure in the global butterfly research community. However, despite his many accomplishments, Collins is aware that the future of his research center is uncertain without the necessary financial backing and protection.

The center’s collection is not just a testament to Collins’ career but also a valuable resource for the scientific community. Butterflies are vital indicators of environmental health, and Collins’ research provides valuable insights into biodiversity and the challenges facing these insects, many of which are under threat due to habitat loss and climate change. By preserving these butterflies and studying their behavior, Collins hopes to contribute to the global effort to conserve these delicate creatures.

The Butterfly Research Centre is also a hub for education and outreach, providing a space for visitors to learn about the importance of butterflies in ecosystems and the need for conservation efforts. Collins has always believed in the power of education to inspire future generations to appreciate and protect the natural world. “We’ve always had a deep connection to the land, and we want to share that connection with others,” he says. Through his work, Collins hopes to inspire a new generation of scientists, conservationists, and nature lovers who will continue his mission of protecting biodiversity.

As he looks to the future, Collins remains optimistic, but he knows that securing the survival of the Butterfly Research Centre requires more than just his passion and dedication. “It’s about getting the right people involved, whether it’s through financial support or finding an institution that shares our values and vision,” he says. “We need to ensure that this collection and the research continue long after I’m gone.”

The future of the Butterfly Research Centre hinges on finding the right support to continue the vital work Collins has begun. With the help of individuals and organizations that share his commitment to nature, Collins hopes to leave behind a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire and protect the fragile butterfly populations that have captivated him for so many years.

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