The butterflies are known for their beauty and their important role in pollination, It disappears from our landscape At an incredible speed. A comprehensive study published in Journal Science on Thursday found that 22% of American butterflies disappeared between 2000 and 2020.
New research provides a harsh warning about the potential future of these precious insects.
“Losing one of five butterflies over 20 years should be a great awakening call for people,” said Dr. Eliza Glams, an assistant professor of biological sciences at Binghamton University and a co-author of the study. “These declines haven’t stopped.”
The butterfly is the most widely monitored group of insects in the United States, but most previous studies have either been limited by geography or focused on specific species, a study news release said. Researchers behind the scientific research were drawn from 76,000 surveys spanning 35 surveillance programs across the country, using data from over 12.6 million butterflies across 342 individual species.
The study, funded by the US Geological Survey, first integrated such a vast dataset, the authors said. The survey found that 33% of butterfly species have experienced a significant population decline over the past 20 years, with 107 of the 342 species losing more than half of their population. On the other hand, only 3% of species have shown an increase in population.
One of the most impressive examples is Monarch Butterfly. In December 2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed listing monarchs under the Endangered Species Species Act, saying that the eastern population of the species has dropped by about 80% and the Western population has declined by more than 95% since the 1980s.
The seeds were already there Designated as an endangered species By the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 2022.
Ultimately, the decline in butterflies is part of a global trend in insect population loss, with insects dropping by about 1-2% per year, the study authors said.
Butterflies play an important role in pollinating ecosystems, flowers, crops and other plants. Their decline can have a significant impact on plant reproduction and ecosystem health.
Scientific research shows that habitat loss, climate change and pesticide use are driving declines. Rising temperatures and climate change disrupt the breeding cycle, threatening butterfly populations due to reduced food sources and increased habitat stress. Research has identified insecticides as a major cause of the decline of butterflies, which can tackle policy interventions such as limiting harmful pesticides, promoting integrated pest management, and promoting diverse crops.
Despite the decline, individuals can take steps to help butterfly populations recover, Grames said.
“One of the truly positive messages about insect conservation is that what we do in our backyard actually makes a difference,” she said.
She recommends that parts of the yard be allowed to grow wild on native plants, reducing pesticide use and creating habitat spaces like mountains of small brushes for insects. “Even simple actions, such as leaving strips of wild flowers or planting seeds that support pollinators, can provide important resources for butterflies and other insects.”
On a large scale, experts say conservation efforts, including habitat conservation and climate adaptation strategies, are also essential to protect vulnerable species and ensuring that butterfly populations are resilient in the face of ongoing environmental changes.
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