The populations of American butterflies fall by 22% in two decades, says the study

The populations of butterflies in the United States shrunk in more than a fifth in the space of two decades, according to a new study.

The numbers fell 22% between 2000 and 2020, according to an investigation by the University of Binghamton in New York.

A third of the species saw a serious decrease, with some, such as Julia’s pattern, losing more than 90% of its populations.

However, researchers say butterflies can recover if urgent conservation measures are taken.

The study published in the Science Magazine “Butterfly” Measured “The number of individuals of a species within a specific area. Analyzed 12.6 million butterflies sightings of 76,000 surveys in 35 monitoring programs.

This included data from Citizen Science programs such as the July 4 counts of the North American Butterflies Association.

Using statistical models, they estimated population trends for 342 species.

The results showed that 33% were in significant decline, and many exhibited extreme losses: 107 species decreased by more than 50%.

“While the results aligned with global trends, seeing the scope of the decrease on such a large spatial scale was alecid,” said Professor Eliza Gamames, an assistant professor of biological sciences at the University of Binghamton.

Some of the most affected species include Florida White, Hermes Copper, Tailad Orange, Mitchell’s Satyr and West Virginia White, all of which have decreased in abundance by more than 98% within the United States.

The lady of the west coast, once a common butterfly in the backyard, has decreased by 80%, giving the alarm since even this highly adaptable species fought.

“That is alarming because it suggests that even common butterflies are not safe,” said Professor Grams.

The loss of habitat, pesticides and climate change are key causes of this decrease, according to researchers.

Butterflies are crucial pollinizers, which support plants and crops. Experts say that their decline could interrupt food production and entire ecosystems.

They also serve as environmental health indicators: when the number of butterflies fall, it points out problems for other species.

Researchers say that species are decreasing more severely in the southwest of the United States, one of the hottest and most dry regions. They believe that drought can be an important taxpayer to these losses.

“The drought is a double threat: it damages the butterflies directly and also affects their food and host foods,” said Professor Gamames.

The results could help promote important conservation efforts, such as prioritizing species for the International Union for Nature Conservation (IUCN) Red List of Endangered Species and Protection of the Law of Endangered Species.

Despite the decrease, there is hope of recovery.

“Butterflies can recover rapidly because they have short generation times. Small actions such as planting wild flowers, reducing pesticide consumption or even leaving part of a backyard without approval can significantly improve their possibilities,” said Professor Gamames.

He also emphasized the need for government action.

“Insects are fundamental to life on earth, and we need conservation actions and policies that support insects.”