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General Discussion => Science & Nature => Topic started by: sam on April 09, 2009, 21:06

Title: Bye-bye to Britain's butterflies?
Post by: sam on April 09, 2009, 21:06

Quote

Butterfly populations in the United Kingdom have plunged to a 25-year low, threatening many species with extinction, according to the latest annual survey by the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme, a partnership between the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Butterfly Conservation and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.

Two wet summers in a row, combined with habitat loss due to agriculture and construction, have put the hurt on at least 12 UK butterfly species. Butterflies can't fly during heavy rains, so stormy weather interferes with their ability to breed, lay eggs and find food, according to a Butterfly Conservation statement.

Britain had its wettest summer in 100 years in 2007, according to The Daily Mail. 2008 was another wet one.

http://www.sciam.com/blog/60-second-science/post.cfm?id=bye-bye-to-britains-butterflies-2009-04-09

Title: Re: Bye-bye to Britain's butterflies?
Post by: Simon on April 09, 2009, 21:31

The forecasts I last heard were for a hot summer this year, but they change so often, who knows?  :dunno:

Title: Re: Bye-bye to Britain's butterflies?
Post by: GillE on April 09, 2009, 22:06

Good.  I might be able to grow a crop of cabbages this year.

Title: Re: Bye-bye to Britain's butterflies?
Post by: sam on April 09, 2009, 22:15

Quote from: GillE on April 09, 2009, 22:06

Good.  I might be able to grow a crop of cabbages this year.

Isn't that more a problem with moths(?) - I know semantics but still I'd rather butterflies than moths.

Title: Re: Bye-bye to Britain's butterflies?
Post by: GillE on April 09, 2009, 22:47

Neither do brassicas any good, but there's a particular reason why the 'cabbage white' butterfly is so named :( .