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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