Decline of Butterfly Population in the US

Sub : Env

Sec: Species

Context:

A new study highlights the alarming decline of butterfly populations in the United States.
The study found that butterfly numbers have fallen by 22% since 2000 due to multiple environmental factors.
Findings were published in Science under the title “Rapid butterfly declines across the United States during the 21st century.”

Key Findings of the Study

The first systematic countrywide analysis of butterfly abundance was conducted.
Butterflies in the Lower 48 states have been declining at an average rate of 1.3% per year since 2000.
Scientists analyzed 76,957 surveys from 35 monitoring programs covering 12.6 million butterflies.
Monarch butterfly numbers have reached a near all-time low of fewer than 10,000, down from 1.2 million in 1997.
Many species have declined by 40% or more.

Why is this Data Considered ‘Catastrophic’?

The decline may not seem alarming immediately, but its long-term effects are severe.
David Wagner, an entomologist from the University of Connecticut, stated:
- “In just 30 or 40 years, we are talking about losing half the butterflies and other insect life across a continent!”

Implications for Humans

According to Cornell University expert Anurag Agrawal, the loss of butterflies is a warning sign for humans.
Butterflies indicate the overall health of ecosystems and biodiversity.
Their decline suggests wider environmental degradation that could impact humans.
Butterflies serve as pollinators for important crops like cotton.

Major Causes of Butterfly Decline

The study identifies three major factors responsible for the decline:
- Insecticides (considered the biggest cause).
- Climate Change (temperature rise affecting butterfly populations).
- Habitat Loss (destruction of natural habitats).
Driest and warmest areas witnessed the sharpest decline.
The Southwest region lost more than half of its butterflies in 20 years.

Possible Solutions and Conservation Efforts

Hope for Recovery: Habitats can be restored, leading to butterfly population recovery.
Community Action:
- Conservation efforts at individual, community, and state levels can improve the situation.
- Simple actions like creating butterfly-friendly spaces can contribute to recovery.