Butterflies are declining in many parts of the U.S. at an alarming rate, as experts cite climate change as a contributing factor.

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Climate Crisis

Butterfly populations are experiencing a rapid decline in many parts of the United States, with a decrease of nearly 25% over the last two decades. Edna Kane, who specializes in butterfly conservation, highlights that this alarming reduction is partly due to urbanization and climate change. Experts like Dr. Jarrett Daniels, who leads a prominent butterfly research laboratory, point out that these insects are integral to the food chain and ecosystem stability.

The decline in butterfly numbers has prompted conservationists to take action, acknowledging the critical roles these insects play, especially as pollinators essential for crop reproduction and plant growth. Dr. Daniels emphasizes that insecticides, pesticides, and rising temperatures in regions affected by drought are significant threats to butterfly survival. Furthermore, altered weather patterns are disrupting their breeding cycles and food availability, exacerbating their decline.

Despite the challenges, there is hope for recovery. Butterflies are described as resilient creatures needing assistance to thrive again. Conservationists advocate for proactive efforts to boost their populations, recognizing the vital ecological services they provide.



What's causing butterfly populations to rapidly decline?

This one just pupated. Edna Kane is in the butterfly business, but their numbers are dwindling by almost 25% in the last 20 years. It's black. It's got spots. This is not a healthy caterpillar. And now conservationists are taking action to try and save this important insect. The writings on the wall. All these species are declining in different parts of the U. S. Threats like, you know, urbanization, climate change, all these things. Things are kind of eroding the perimeter of these populations. Dr. Jarrett Daniels runs one of the largest butterfly research labs in the country, and he says the stark drop off in butterflies signifies a larger problem. They're at the base of the food chain that we rely on, and there are safety net for the stability, the productivity, the sustainability of systems, insecticides and pesticides, as well as rising temperatures in drought-stricken areas. States are all partially to blame. Weather patterns also disrupt the butterfly breeding cycles and limit food sources. Increased drought, increased tropical storm activity, hurricane activity. All this could have positive and negative benefits, oftentimes very negative benefits to a lot of species. Butterflies are pollinators and play an essential role in reproducing food crops, plants and more. We want to proactively build those species and pollinate them. We want to get those populations back while we can. They're resilient. They just need a little bit of help, and all of us can play a role in that. I'm Leslie Hudson reporting.

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