A comprehensive analysis of over 12.6 million butterfly sightings reveals that U.S. butterfly populations have declined by an average of 22% since 2000. This alarming drop, documented by more than 30 researchers, reflects widespread declines across various species in all regions of the country. Only about 3% of the species studied saw increased numbers, primarily those thriving near human developments. The median species experienced a more than 40% decline, highlighting a significant loss in biodiversity that underscores an urgent ecological crisis.
"Frankly, the amount of volunteer effort in the U.S. gives us really one of the best insect datasets in the world," says Collin Edwards.
"It doesn't sound like much, but 1 or 2% decline per year of any group is absolutely phenomenal when you compound that over more than one decade," says David Wagner.
"The median species declined by more than 40%. That was where it really hit me that this is really big," says Collin Edwards.
Only about 3% of the 554 species examined saw their numbers increase over this time period, indicating a concerning decline for the majority.
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