A new report on trends of grassland butterflies across Europe shows that numbers declined by 36% in just ten years, between 2011 and 2020. Butterfly Conservation (UK) is working hard with partners in Butterfly Conservation Europe to reverse these trends, which were worse in the UK.
The European Grassland Butterfly Indicator, recently calculated for the eighth time by Butterfly Conservation Europe, is a key indicator of the health of European Grasslands. It is based on an aggregate of trends from 17 widespread grassland species. The decline of these butterflies shows that Europe's grasslands have deteriorated seriously over the last 30 years. The chief factors are agricultural intensification either from the conversion of grasslands to arable fields or the heavy use of fertilisers and herbicides which reduce the wildflowers on which butterflies breed. Nitrogen deposition from agriculture and car exhausts, is also a growing factor, as is climate change which adds another stress.
The results have huge implications for wildlife. Butterflies are good indicators of other insects, which are vital for the functioning of ecosystems. Insects are important parts of the diet of many other animals, including birds and bats. They are also responsible for the pollination of most wildflowers as well as certain crops. The decline in grassland butterflies puts the future of these vital habitats in peril.
Dr Nigel Bourn, Chief Scientist at Butterfly Conservation and Board Member of Butterfly Conservation Europe, said: "Butterflies are incredibly useful barometers of the health of the environment on which we all depend. We need to take action now to help reverse their decline."
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Posted On: 23/05/2023