In just 26 years, the distribution of rare butterflies has plummeted by 72% in Eastern Denmark. Several species are threatened with extinction, yet the conservation actions aiming to safeguard species have proved unsuccessful. This is the conclusion of a comprehensive study from the University of Copenhagen published in the journal Biological Conservation.
Pearl-bordered fritillary . Credit: Pearl-bordered fritillary . Foto: Emil Blicher Bjerregård
"The distribution of the twenty-two butterfly species we've been monitoring on Zealand, Lolland, Falster and Møn has shrunk by 72% since 1993. All but one of the species have declined, and several of them only have one local population left. I wouldn't be surprised if at least eight of the species become extinct in a few years. These include the pearl-bordered fritillary, mazarine blue and northern chequered skipper," says Bjerregård.
"Butterflies are a good indicator of nature quality. The studied species cannot live in residential neighborhoods, fertilized meadows or the margins of agricultural fields. They need moreNature conservation efforts have not worked "Legally protected areas are in reality poorly protected from human activities. For example, plantation forestry continues to take place in Natura 2000 areas and the Danish national parks are 'paper parks' with supermarkets and parking lots. At the same time, the flowers important to butterflies are sparse in—partly as a result of farmers receiving support to tend to grasslands with either intensive summer grazing or no grazing at all.
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