BUTTERFLY POPULATION: ENVIRONMENT

BUTTERFLY POPULATION: ENVIRONMENT

NEWS: US butterfly populations plummet by 22% in two decades

 

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

Butterfly populations in the U.S. have declined by 22% over two decades due to climate change, habitat loss, and pesticide use, with 66% of species facing population declines. Conservation efforts, including stricter pesticide regulations and broader habitat protection, are urgently needed to protect these essential pollinators.

 

Decline in U.S. Butterfly Populations

  • Significant Population Decline:
  • Over the past two decades, U.S. butterfly populations have seen a 22% decline. This is a concerning trend highlighting the rapid loss of butterfly species.
  • Species-Level Impact:
  • A large portion of recorded species (66% of 554 species) are experiencing population losses.
  • Among the 342 species studied, 33% (114 species) have shown significant declines, with 107 species losing more than 50% of their population.
  • Severe Declines in Some Species:
  • The situation is dire for some species, with 22 species experiencing a 90%+ decline in population, showing severe ecological and environmental threats.
  • Minimal Growth:
  • Only 3% of the species (which accounts for 9 species) exhibited any form of population growth over the same period, indicating the challenge in sustaining butterfly populations.

Key Causes of Decline

  • Climate Change:
  • One of the main contributors to the decline is climate change, particularly the warming of southern regions, which are becoming uninhabitable for many butterfly species.
  • This change is forcing many species to shift northward, which may lead to habitat loss and other disruptions in ecosystems.
  • Habitat Loss:
  • Urbanization, deforestation, and other forms of habitat destruction have contributed significantly to the reduction in available butterfly habitats.
  • As cities expand and forests are cleared, butterflies lose the environments they rely on for feeding, breeding, and migration.
  • Pesticide Use:
  • The widespread use of pesticides, especially insecticides, has been linked to the decline in butterfly populations.
  • These chemicals are harmful to not only pests but also non-target species like butterflies, negatively impacting their numbers and ecosystems.

 

Regional Trends & Data Insights

  • Population Declines Across Families:
  • Population declines have been observed across all butterfly families, with 60-75% of species affected, showing that this issue is widespread across different types of butterflies.
  • Northern vs. Southern Regions:
  • Northern regions showed higher butterfly abundance compared to southern regions, which supports the theory that climate-driven factors are affecting southern regions more severely.
  • This supports the impact of rising temperatures and habitat shifts due to climate change.
  • Study Methodology:
  • The study analyzed 12.6 million individual butterflies from 2,478 locations across 35 monitoring programs between the years 2000-2020, providing a comprehensive dataset on butterfly population trends.

 

Conservation Recommendations

  • Stricter Regulations on Pesticide Use:
  • Experts recommend implementing stricter regulations on pesticide use, similar to the EU’s restrictions on insecticides, to mitigate the negative impact on pollinators like butterflies.
  • Integrated Pest Management:
  • Integrated pest management strategies and diversified cropping systems are suggested to create environments that are friendly to butterflies and other pollinators, while still controlling pest populations.
  • National and Local Conservation Efforts:
  • A broad-scale, coordinated effort is needed at both local and national levels to protect butterfly habitats and ensure the long-term survival of pollinators.
  • These efforts should include habitat restoration, protection from further urbanization, and creating safe corridors for butterflies to move.

 

Urgent Call to Action

  • Faster Decline Compared to Growth:
  • Experts warn that butterfly species are disappearing 13 times faster than population growth rates, which means without urgent action, more species will face extinction.
  • Immediate Intervention Required:
  • Researchers emphasize the need for immediate intervention to prevent further losses of butterfly species and to protect biodiversity. Immediate actions include habitat protection, conservation funding, and addressing climate change impacts.

 

Laws and Regulations for Butterfly Protection in India

  1. Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972:
  • Butterflies are legally protected under Schedule II and IV of the Wildlife Protection Act.
  • Protected species, such as the Kaiser-i-Hind (Teinopalpus imperialis) and Common Peacock (Papilio bianor), cannot be collected or harmed legally.
  • Illegal activities like collection, trade, or harm to these species are punishable by fines and imprisonment.
  1. The Biological Diversity Act, 2002:
  • Regulates the collection, research, and commercial use of butterflies and their habitats.
  • Requires permission from the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) for accessing biological resources like butterflies and their parts.
  1. The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980:
  • Protects forest habitats, indirectly benefiting butterfly populations in critical areas such as the Western Ghats, Himalayas, and Northeastern India.
  1. The Environment Protection Act, 1986:
  • Used to regulate industrial and agricultural activities that affect butterfly habitats.
  • Provides legal grounds for controlling pesticide use and pollution that directly or indirectly harms butterfly populations.
  1. CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora):
  • India is a signatory to CITES, which regulates international trade of endangered species, including rare butterflies like Kaiser-i-Hind.
  • Exporting these protected species without proper authorization is banned.
  1. Protected Areas & Butterfly Sanctuaries:
  • Butterfly Parks and Reserves:
      • Bannerghatta Butterfly Park (Karnataka), Sikkim Butterfly Park, Assam Butterfly Conservatory, and Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) are key conservation areas.
  • National Parks & Sanctuaries:
      • Silent Valley National Park (Kerala), Namdapha National Park (Arunachal Pradesh), and Kaziranga National Park (Assam) support rich butterfly diversity and play a key role in their conservation.

 

Conclusion

  • Urgent Need for Butterfly Conservation:
  • With alarming declines in butterfly populations due to climate change, habitat loss, and pesticide use, there is an urgent need for both national and international efforts to protect and restore butterfly habitats.
  • India’s Legal and Conservation Framework:
  • India has a solid legal framework, including several protection laws and conservation programs, to safeguard butterfly species and their habitats.
  • However, the implementation and enforcement of these laws need to be strengthened to ensure that the butterfly populations thrive for future generations.

 

Source: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/us-butterfly-populations-plummet-by-22-in-two-decades