US lost a fifth of its butterflies within two decades

2 comments

1. **From BBC:**

   Butterfly populations in the US shrank by more than a fifth within the space of two decades, according to a new study.

   Numbers fell by 22% between 2000 and 2020, according to research by Binghamton University in New York.

   A third of species saw serious decline, with some, like Julia’s Skipper, losing more than 90% of their populations.

   However, the researchers say butterflies may be able to recover if urgent conservation measures are taken.

   Habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change are key causes of this decline, according to the researchers.

   Butterflies are crucial pollinators, supporting plants and crops. Experts say their decline could disrupt food production and entire ecosystems.

   They also serve as indicators of environmental health – when butterfly numbers fall, it signals trouble for other species.

2. It is depressing seeing the butterflies die

Comments are closed.