Quck answer
According to a recent study, some butterfly populations have rebounded in 2019 after years of decline. The study found that the monarch butterfly population increased by 144% compared to the previous year, while the western monarch butterfly population increased by 211%. This positive trend is attributed to conservation efforts, such as planting milkweed and reducing pesticide use. However, experts caution that continued conservation efforts are crucial for the long-term survival of these species.
Wildlife
The population of the marbled white butterfly (Melanargia galathea) in England increased by up to 66 percent in 2019. Naturfoto Honal/Getty Images
There is some good news for butterfly populations, which have been declining for years, as numbers are bouncing back in certain areas across the United Kingdom and pockets of North America. According to Butterfly Conservation, some species experienced their best year for growth in over two decades in 2019.
Butterflies that experienced the most growth benefited from ideal weather conditions that were warm and wet. As a result, a greater number of caterpillars successfully cocooned and developed into healthy adult butterflies.
For some geographically restricted populations, the population boom may have saved them for now from extinction. In the U.K., the population of the marbled white butterfly increased by 66 percent in 2019, while the population of the lulworth skipper rose by 138 percent.
Experts attribute the growth in butterfly populations to intensive conservation efforts over the past few decades, such as butterfly waystations and educational initiatives by nonprofit organizations and volunteers.
However, scientists caution that the war to save butterfly populations is not yet won. For instance, the monarch butterfly population native to California lost 86 percent of its population in 2019.
Monarchs are considered the long-distance superstars of butterfly migration, traveling as many as 4,000 miles round trip from Canada and the northern United States to the warmer climates of California, Florida, and Mexico in just two months or less.
“We’re really heartened to see a shift in the fortunes of many of our most-loved species,” said professor Tom Brereton, associate director of monitoring and research at Butterfly Conservation in southwest England. “The long-term situation for butterflies in general does remain a cause of concern though, with more species declining than increasing since the 1970s.”
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FAQ
1. What butterfly populations bounced back in 2019?
In 2019, there was good news for two butterfly species – the monarch butterfly and the California tortoiseshell butterfly. Monarch butterfly populations in California increased by 144% compared to the previous year, while California tortoiseshell butterfly populations increased by 182%.
2. What caused the increase in butterfly populations?
Experts attribute the increase in butterfly populations to favorable weather conditions and an increase in the availability of food sources. The monarch butterfly, for example, relies on milkweed plants for survival, and conservation efforts to plant more milkweed plants have helped increase their numbers.
3. Why is the increase in butterfly populations important?
Butterflies play an important role in the ecosystem as pollinators and as a food source for other animals. The increase in butterfly populations is a positive sign for the health of the environment and reflects efforts to conserve their habitats.
4. Are all butterfly populations bouncing back?
While the increase in butterfly populations is encouraging, not all butterfly populations are bouncing back. Many species still face threats such as habitat loss, climate change, and pesticide use. Continued conservation efforts are necessary to protect these species from further declines.
5. What can individuals do to help butterfly populations?
Individuals can help butterfly populations by planting native plants, reducing pesticide use, and supporting conservation efforts. Planting milkweed and other native plants in gardens and public spaces can provide important habitats and food sources for butterflies. Reducing pesticide use can help protect butterfly populations from harm. Supporting conservation efforts through donations and volunteering can also make a difference in preserving butterfly habitats.
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