A new report has found that there has been a massive 80% decline in UK butterflies.
The new report has been published by Butterfly Conservation. They have found that there has been a massive decline in butterflies in the UK in the last few decades; they have found that there has been an 80% decline in butterflies in the UK since the 1970s.
Butterfly Conservation says:
"Decreases in butterfly populations on this scale are a huge cause for clear concern as butterflies are an integral part of the UK ecosystem and their precipitous decline is a clear warning signal of the wider biodiversity crisis."
Essentially, the decline in butterflies gives us an insight into the state of our natural world in the UK, and, it doesn't look good. If smaller animals like butterflies have declined in such a massive way in just a few short decades, then it shows how much our natural world in the UK has declined in such a short space of time and is an indication that our biodiversity and ecosystems in the UK are in poor health, while also we have seen the destruction of our ecosystems in the UK.
The report has also found that there has been a dramatic decline in specialist butterfly species in the UK, which is worrying. This decline has occurred in - flower grasslands, heathlands, and woodland clearings, this means that butterfly species which are only found in these habitats have declined dramatically.
There are several threats to butterflies, that include - the destruction of the natural world (such as the destruction of grasslands and woodlands), the use of harmful chemicals like pesticides, herbicides or insecticides, and climate change.
Another thing harming wildlife like butterflies is the way that we have changed our gardens. Having wildlife-friendly gardens can help butterflies and other wildlife a lot. There are several things you can do to create a wildlife-friendly garden, these are -
. Have plants and flowers
Preferably plant native flowers and plants, as it will help your local wildlife the most.
. Have shelter for butterflies
Having a butterfly hotel can help give butterflies shelter. Other ways to provide shelter and a space for them to live is by having - plants, flowers, trees, bushes and hedges in your garden.
. Providing a source of water
Providing a source of water is also helpful for butterflies and other wildlife. For butterflies, have a shallow bowl of water with pebbles in it so that it gives butterflies, bees and other insects a space to stand while they drink water.
There are also things you can avoid doing in the garden to help butterflies, the things that you should avoid in the garden are -
. Plastic grass
.Paving over your garden
. Don't use harmful chemicals like insecticides, herbicides and pesticides
Making your garden wildlife-friendly will benefit butterflies and other wildlife. The report showed that conservation action can help reverse the decline in butterflies, with millions of gardens in the UK, there is a huge potential to help butterflies and other wildlife by creating our gardens to be wildlife-friendly, plus, it also benefits us, as nature improves our mental health, and it's a joy to see flowers, plants, birds, butterflies and more right on your doorstep.
We all have the power to create a better and healthier world for wildlife, including butterflies. 🦋