80% of butterfly species in decline, according to national charity
The Big Butterfly Count 2023 has been launched at Weyhill's Hawk Conservancy Trust
This years Big Butterfly Count has been launched by the Butterfly Conservation charity, asking for our help to track species numbers.
The count, which happens each year, is being described as even more critical considering the extreme weather changes that the UK faces season to season.
Speaking at the Big Count launch at the Hawk Conservancy in Weyhill, charity vice-president Chris Packham says that while no one species within an eco-system is more important than another, Butterflies are a good indicator of the health of a habitat.
“Because people like these types of animals, and they are relatively easy to identify, make them ideal species to focus upon to understand the wider health of those natural communities.”
The count is taking place through until the 6th August.
Butterfly numbers 'in decline'
Chris says Butterflies have been “under the cosh” for quite a while, for reasons such as intensification of agriculture, overuse of pesticides and loss of habitat. And now Climate change can be added to that list.
This is what the count is aimed at monitoring.
Chris said there are “grave” concerns over Butterfly population numbers, with 80% of our species are in decline.
Chris told us how last year’s drought affected the insects: “In a drought, firstly the food plants can wither and the Caterpillar’s simply can’t survive and you lose that generation completely.
“Secondly, plants have to conserve water so they produce less nectar, which is less fuel for the adult butterflies.”
This affects breeding, which means Butterfly numbers are being reduced at both the Larva and Adult stages.
“All of these back-to-back extreme weather events are having an impact on our Butterfly populations,” Chris said.
Historical evidence from droughts in 1976 and 1995 suggests that it can take years for Butterfly populations to recover.
Chris did provide some reassurance, saying there are a variety of techniques to help remedy the situation, such as restoring habitats and reintroducing species.
Urban, sub-urban & rural pursuit
Our help is needed in establishing Butterfly numbers across the UK. People wanting to participate can do so by downloading an app.
“There’s never enough conservationists, there’s never enough scientists, we need public participation,” says Chris.
On the app, there will be a list of common species of Butterfly that can look for. Participants are asked to spend just 15 minutes in a location, a field or a shop car park to count the maximum number of each species that we see.
“This very much an urban, sub-urban and rural pursuit,” said Chris, who added: “We want your data even if you see no butterflies at all, that’s really important.”