Urban butterflies in decline
Habitat loss in town and cities affects wildlife
The number of butterflies in towns and cities has fallen steeply in comparison to those in the countryside, a new study has shown. Trends for 28 species in urban and countryside habitats over 20 years have shown urban butterfly attendance fell by 69 per cent, compared to a 45 per cent decline for those species in rural areas.
The Small Copper and Small Heath species are most badly hit, with the Small Copper declining by 75 per cent and the Small Heath by 78 per cent in urban areas. Reasons are being put down to the combined effects of habitat loss, climate change and intensification of land use.
Climate is also having an effect on butterfly lifecycles due to warmer urban temperatures, with the flight periods for many species being of longer duration and emergence of adults being, an average, of two days earlier than those habitating rural locations. These statistics illustrate that urban parks, gardens and brownfield sites are vitally important refuges for butterflies, as well as other wildlife.
“Improving the urban environment is something that many of us can make a real contribution to,” said Dr Nigel Bourn of the charity Butterfly Conservation, which is leading the research. “Leaving bits of garden as wild areas, using fewer chemicals in the garden and gardening with wildlife in mind all help enormously.”
Visit www.butterfly-conservation.org for more information on how you can help boost butterfly and moth numbers.