Butterflies in Wales continue to decline

BUTTERFLIES in Wales are continuing to decline following their fourth worst year on record, a study has revealed.

Some 40 of the 57 UK species studied recorded a decline in 2016 compared with the prior year, with the population of some of Wales’ rarest butterflies decreasing by nearly half.

Professor Tom Brereton, head of monitoring at the Butterfly Conservation described the findings as “hugely concerning” and says changing temperatures are partly to blame.

“Worryingly, not even the pleasant summer weather of 2016 was enough to help butterflies bounce back from a run of poor years,” he said.

“The results show that butterflies are failing to cope with our changing climate and how we manage the environment.

“As butterflies are regarded as good indicators of environmental health this is hugely concerning for both wildlife and people.”

Butterfly Conservation says a mild winter followed by a cold spring contributed to the struggle of many species, despite a warm and dry summer.

The grayling, white-letter hairstreak and white admiral, all found in South Wales, each recorded their worst ever years.

The rare grizzled skipper, sometimes spotted along the South Wales coast, saw its numbers tumble by nearly a quarter.

Research suggests that the UK’s increasingly mild winters could cause further problems for butterflies, including increased disease and predation.

More cold springs could delay the time when butterflies usually emerge and even shorten their lifespans.

Dr Marc Botham, butterfly ecologist at the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, said: “The weather at critical times of species development can cause dramatic changes in population numbers in the short term.

“What is of greatest concern is the regularity with which these short-term changes in recent years are negative, resulting in significant long-term declines for many species.

“Furthermore, this is becoming more and more commonplace for many of our most widespread and abundant species equating to large reductions in overall butterfly numbers with knock-on effects to their ecosystems.”

There was though good news for some species – the widespread red admiral recorded a rise of 86% compared to 2015 and the clouded yellow, a rise of 35%.