Latest news with #ButterflyConservation
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Experts stunned after record-breaking surge in rare butterfly sightings: 'None of us want summer 2025 to ever end'
Ecologists in West Sussex recently recorded a jaw-dropping 283 purple emperor butterflies in a single day at the Knepp Castle Estate, a 3,500-acre rewilding project in the county. It's an all-time high for the site — and a major milestone for the conservation of the vulnerable species, The Guardian reported. The purple emperor is noted for being an elusive butterfly species — and for having some unusual behavior. According to The Guardian, the pretty purple butterflies feed on dung and animal carcasses — or fermented tree sap that makes them "tipsy." It's an unexpectedly grotesque diet for a butterfly, especially one this breathtaking. Though the butterfly species is listed as wildlife of "least concern" by Great Britain's Red List, the species is listed as a "medium" conservation priority by Butterfly Conservation. That's because populations are dispersing and dropping due to habitat loss, a consequence of land development and rising global temperatures. And it's exactly why the large population sighting at Knepp is so exciting. According to The Guardian, experts attribute the boost in sightings to Knepp's pioneering "process-led" rewilding project. Started in 2001, the project transformed former farmland into a thriving natural habitat for the butterfly species. Rewilding projects are essential to supporting vulnerable wildlife and native plant life impacted by climate shifts and pollution. Knepp's rewilding project includes restoring natural habitats, reintroducing native wildlife and plant life, monitoring the area's ecosystem, and much more. This approach helps to restore natural ecosystems, boost biodiversity, and build resilience against future climate shifts. Rewilded landscapes — including forests, wetlands, and grasslands — can act as powerful carbon sinks, absorbing pollution from the atmosphere. These areas also help regulate water cycles and create more stable, self-sustaining environments, which are crucial in the face of a warming world. Particularly key to the purple emperor's resurgence is the growth of sallow scrub in the area, a crucial plant for the purple emperor's egg-laying, according to Rewilding Britain. Ecologists at Knepp say the plant has flourished, thanks to natural dispersal from roaming livestock like pigs and ponies. Knepp's butterfly expert, Neil Hulme, told The Guardian that purple emperor populations naturally fluctuate year to year, so it may be premature to celebrate. Still, he highlighted Knepp as a "top-quality rewilded landscape" — and not only for the purple emperor butterfly. Other butterfly species, including purple hairstreaks and the silver-washed fritillary, are also being sighted in similar record numbers in the area. Hulme told The Guardian Knepp has "clouds of butterflies everywhere," adding that "none of us want summer 2025 to ever end." Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
'This is a chance to turn curiosity into conservation 'as national emergency declared
A national butterfly emergency has been declared following record-low sightings across the UK. The warning comes after Greater Manchester recorded just 6,340 butterflies and day-flying moths during last year's Big Butterfly Count. It is part of a wider decline seen across the country, according to conservation charity Butterfly Conservation. People are being asked to take part in the Big Butterfly Count (Image: Harrison Bates) The charity has described the figures as the lowest in the history of the count and part of a long-term downward trend linked to habitat loss, climate change, and pesticide use. Dr Richard Fox, head of science at Butterfly Conservation, said: "This is a chance to turn curiosity into conservation and make a real contribution to protecting butterflies in the UK for generations to come. "Butterflies are beautiful, yes — but they're also incredibly important bioindicators. "This means that as they continue to disappear, as they have over recent decades, it indicates something is going seriously wrong in our natural world. "We need to heed that warning and take action before it's too late." In Greater Manchester, 1,491 counts were submitted in 2024, with the Large White butterfly the most commonly recorded species. In Greater Manchester, 1,491 counts were submitted in 2024 (Image: Supplied) The Big Butterfly Count began on Friday, July 18 and continues until August 10, with Butterfly Conservation urging people of all ages and backgrounds to take part. Butterflies have declined by 80 per cent since the 1970s, and Dr Fox said their rapid response to environmental changes makes them key indicators of wider ecosystem health. Dr Fox said: "If we lose butterflies, we lose more than beauty — we lose balance in our ecosystems and that will have serious repercussions for wildlife in the UK. "Taking part in the Big Butterfly Count only takes 15 minutes and it's something everybody in Greater Manchester can do. "If you do one thing for nature this year, get out for the Count this summer. "Every count really does make a difference." READ MORE: I tried budget bakery's new upmarket sandwich - this is what I thought Popular children's author's heartfelt words after being selected for Bolton award Youngsters stepped-up to take on a challenge to help others Taking part in the count involves spending 15 minutes outdoors, recording the butterflies and day-flying moths seen during that time, and submitting the results online or via the free Big Butterfly Count app. Each sighting helps scientists track species trends and understand the effects of climate and habitat changes. Participants' data also contribute to a live, interactive biodiversity map of the UK, accessible through the Big Butterfly Count website and app. More information and resources are available at
Edinburgh Reporter
5 days ago
- General
- Edinburgh Reporter
Edinburgh residents urged to look out for one particular butterfly
Nature lovers in Edinburgh and the Lothians have been urged to look out for one of the nation's best known butterflies, after its numbers declined last year. The Small Tortoiseshell suffered a record 79% decline north of the Border from 2023-24, amid a long term drop of over 60% in the past 40 years. Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation is hoping the colourful and charismatic species will fare better this year amid a 'nationwide rescue mission' to save threatened species. It has urged thousands of Scots to take part in its annual Big Butterfly Count. The citizen science survey will run until August 10, with the results used to help map how different species are faring and where new conservation efforts should be targeted. Dr Tom Prescott, the charity's Head of Conservation for Scotland, said: 'The Small Tortoiseshell had a really poor year and that was reflected by lower numbers coming out of hibernation this spring. 'Now we don't know if last year was just a one off or if it's going to get even worse this year. Perhaps it will buck the trend and start to improve. 'We are hoping this will be a better year but we won't know for sure until people get out there and count them. 'The Small Tortoiseshell is highly recognisable and It should be visible in gardens, parks and the general countryside all over Scotland. 'Taking part in the Big Butterfly Count is a chance to make a real contribution to protecting them.' The Small Tortoiseshell is familiar to many Scots as it can be found in a variety of habitats. They lay their eggs on nettles and thistles, and adults drink nectar from a wide range of garden plants such as buddleia and sedum. The Big Butterfly Count is the world's biggest annual butterfly survey. Each year, thousands of people spend 15 minutes outdoors counting and recording the butterflies and day-flying moths they see. Butterfly Conservation declared a 'butterfly emergency' after last summer's survey returned the lowest numbers on record. In Scotland, 22,818 butterflies were spotted, down by almost 20% compared with 2023. Only five butterflies were seen per count on average, which was the lowest since the count started in 2010. A dozen of the 17 species in the count showed a reduction in numbers while the Small Tortoiseshell along with the Painted Lady, Red Admiral and Scotch Argus had their worst year. The result was deemed 'an urgent SOS' from butterflies struggling against habitat degradation, climate breakdown and pesticide use. Small Tortoiseshell_Iain H Leach, Butterfly Conservation Like this: Like Related
Tom's Guide
5 days ago
- General
- Tom's Guide
Butterflies will flock into your yard to enjoy this 2-ingredient treat — and it's simple to make
I've been watching a flurry of butterflies visit my yard this year and have enjoyed seeing them gently rest on flower heads while they feed on the nectar. They devour the sticky treat that provides them with the energy to fly and reproduce. While there are many plants that will encourage butterflies into your yard, you can also entice these beautiful pollinators in by making your own nectar. And what's more, it's so simple, you'll wonder why you haven't tried it before. By taking a few quick and easy steps, you can support the important role that butterflies play in our ecosystem. This bright yellow butterfly feeder is bound to attract butterflies and is designed to hold nectar and overripe fruit. It also includes a built-in ant moat to deter the insects from feasting on the butterfly food. It measures 9 (W) x 9 (L) x 9.5 (H) inches, and comes with a brass handing rod. Follow these 5 quick steps and watch the butterflies flock into your yard. 1. Add 1/4 cup of sugar to 2 cups of water. 2. Heat the mixture in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves. 3. Leave the syrup to cool for 30 minutes. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. 4. Take a saucer or shallow dish, and place a brightly colored sponge in its base. Then, pour the syrup over the sponge. 5. Finally, place the dish near some flowers and watch the butterflies flutter in to feed. The key to encouraging butterflies to feed on your homemade nectar is to place it close to scented flowers, as butterflies will find the food by scent rather than sight. Placing the butterfly nectar on a colorful sponge will also help them zoom in. You could also mount the food on a post, to prevent ants from sharing the feast, or purchase a butterfly feeder designed for the job. You can still attract butterflies into your outdoor space even if you have a small garden, as long as it's big enough to contain a few plants. The Butterfly Conservation states, 'Butterflies will visit any garden, however small, if they can feed on suitable nectar plants.' So, as long as you have a few blooms to attract them in to begin with, butterflies will enjoy your homemade nectar. From my own experience, I know that butterflies love Buddleia, and it's no coincidence that it's also known as the Butterfly Bush, as it's highly attractive to butterflies and other pollinators and insects. But, if your yard is small, and you don't have the space for a large shrub, such as Buddleia, you could plant lavender or marjoram in containers. Monarch butterflies in particular like milkweed — it's the only thing they'll eat. Spring flowers will help butterflies replenish their depleted reserves after hibernation, while fall flowers will help them build them back up again before hibernation. So, if you want to help the ecosystem and watch the butterflies feed, make sure to place some butterfly nectar in you yard between spring and fall. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Edinburgh Reporter
6 days ago
- General
- Edinburgh Reporter
Butterfly count emergency call to Scots
A butterfly charity has launched a 'nationwide rescue mission' to save the colourful insects – amid a 'deeply concerning decline' in their numbers. Butterfly Conservation has urged thousands of Scots to take part in its annual Big Butterfly Count, which runs until 10 August. The charity declared a 'Butterfly Emergency' after last summer's citizen science survey returned the lowest numbers on record. Its experts said the result was 'an urgent SOS' from butterflies as they continue to struggle against a backdrop of habitat degradation, climate breakdown and pesticide use. They warned that species are in danger of disappearing in Scotland without urgent action. The world's largest annual butterfly count asks members of the public to spend 15 minutes in an outdoor space counting and recording the butterflies and day-flying moths they see. The results are used to help map how the insects are faring and where new conservation efforts should be targeted. Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation said: 'This is a chance to turn curiosity into conservation and make a real contribution to protecting butterflies in the UK for generations to come. 'Butterflies are beautiful, yes, but they're also incredibly important bioindicators. This means that as they continue to disappear, as they have over recent decades, it indicates something is going seriously wrong in our natural world. We need to heed that warning and take action before it's too late. 'If we lose butterflies, we lose more than beauty — we lose balance in our ecosystems and that will have serious repercussions for wildlife in the UK. 'Taking part in the Big Butterfly Count only takes 15 minutes and it's something everybody can do. 'If you do one thing for nature this year, get out for the Count this summer. Every count really does make a difference.' He added: 'People in Scotland might be seeing more butterflies this year compared to the dreadful numbers last year, but that doesn't mean all is well. It doesn't reverse the butterfly emergency — we've got 50 years of long term decline of butterflies.' Last year, there were 22,818 butterflies spotted in total during the Big Butterfly Count in Scotland, down more than 5000 or almost 20% compared with 2023. Only five butterflies were seen per count on average in Scotland, which was the lowest since the count started in 2010. The Ringlet was the most abundant butterfly north of the Border, ahead of the Small White and Meadow Brown. However, of the 17 butterflies and day flying moths in the count, 12 showed a reduction in numbers. The Small Tortoiseshell, Painted Lady, Red Admiral and Scotch Argus all had their worst year in the survey's history. The Green-veined White had its second worst year, while the Holly Blue, which had its best ever summer in Scotland in 2023, was down by 42%. Peacock butterfly numbers fell a staggering 94%. Butterfly Conservation said the delicate insects respond quickly to environmental change, making their decline 'a powerful warning sign of a planet in peril'. The charity is calling on thousands of 'everyday heroes' from school kids to grandparents, dog walkers, hikers and even office workers on their lunch break, to take part in this year's count. Dr Fox said: 'Nature is sounding the alarm call. We must act now if we are to turn the tide on these rapid declines and protect species for future generations.' Like this: Like Related
