Britain's butterflies faced their fifth worst summer since 1976, with over half of the 59 native species experiencing declines. Nine species, including common types like the small tortoiseshell and small skipper, recorded their poorest years ever. Dr. Richard Fox asserts that these downward trends stem from human activities that degrade habitats and alter climate conditions. Unique weather patterns, including a wet spring in 2024, exacerbate the fragility of already declining populations. Most common butterflies struggled, reinforcing the concern for biodiversity, despite some conservation successes for endangered species.
For the first time since scientific recording began in 1976, more than half of Britain's 59 native species are in long-term decline, particularly common species.
Dr Richard Fox emphasized that butterfly declines are linked to human actions that have destroyed habitats, polluted environments, used pesticides, and altered the climate.
#butterfly-conservation #insect-population-decline #climate-change-impact #biodiversity-loss #uk-wildlife
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