Butterfly Populations In U.S Decline Rapidly, Study Reveals Urgent Need For Action

Butterfly populations have seen a decline of 22% among 554 recorded species in the United States, as revealed by a recent study published in the journal Science. The study states,

“Our national-scale findings provide the most comprehensive—and alarming—overview of the status of butterflies across the country in the early 21st century.”

“Rapid butterfly declines across the United States during the 21st century,” the research counted 12.6 million butterflies, analyzed 76,957 surveys, and collaborated with 35 monitoring programs to assess butterfly population trends from 2000 to 2020.

According to the study, rising temperatures and changing climates are one of the factors contributing to this notable decline in butterfly populations.

“North American butterfly species may find that the northern boundaries of their ranges become more hospitable as a result of climate change, while the southern boundaries may become too warm.”

During the 2-decade period examined, 33% of butterfly species showed substantially declining trends in abundance — the total number of individuals of a butterfly species inside a given area — and 107 species, in keeping with the document, declined by way of more than 50%.

How You Can Help Butterflies:

According to Scott Black, director of the Xerces Society and study co-author, “butterflies need host plants on which to lay eggs, wildflowers on which to feed, a refuge from pesticides, and sites to overwinter.” “If we concentrate on providing habitat for butterflies across all landscapes, from cities and towns to agricultural lands and natural areas, there is hope for these animals.”

Read more article>https://www.climatechallange.com/how-does-climate-change-affect-animal-habitats/