Hundreds of butterflies flew cheerfully. The flutter of their wings whizzed mildly among the trees. Some of them perched on the blossoming flowers and tall trees by the road. Others flew low, mingling with visitors. That was the panorama that once existed in Bantimurung as one of the tourism icons the people of Maros, South Sulawesi, are proud of.

Famous for its natural pool, Bantimurung is also the habitat of butterflies. Its fame went beyond na