Conservationists have issued a warning of a “butterfly emergency” as the Big Butterfly Count, a citizen science survey organised by Butterfly Conservation, reported its lowest numbers on record. Participants spent 15 minutes recording butterflies in their local areas, with this year’s results showing a significant decline. On average, only seven butterflies were spotted per count, compared to 12 in the previous year. Shockingly, 9,000 counts did not record any butterflies, marking the highest number of zero sightings in the survey’s history.
Butterfly Conservation highlighted declines in various species, attributing them to a combination of factors including habitat loss, pesticide pollution, and extreme weather due to climate change. The charity is urging the UK government to declare a “nature emergency” and ban neonicotinoid pesticides, emphasising the harmful impact these chemicals have not only on bees but also on butterflies. Dr. Richard Fox stressed the urgent need for action to address the long-term drivers of butterfly decline to prevent extinction events.
In total, over 935,000 butterflies and day-flying moths were recorded across the UK during the survey period, revealing a decline of more than a third compared to the previous year. Trends observed over the 14-year survey period showed alarming decreases in common butterfly species, with some experiencing their worst year on record. Dr. Fox emphasised that butterflies serve as key indicator species, signalling wider environmental issues when their populations are in decline.
Participants of the survey who did not observe any butterflies this year have been encouraged to take action to support butterfly populations by creating habitats conducive to their survival. Butterfly Conservation’s call-to-action echoes the need for collective efforts to protect these vital insects for future generations. The decline in butterfly numbers serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for conservation measures to safeguard biodiversity.