US Butterfly Populations Decline by 22% Since 2000, Study Finds

A comprehensive analysis attributes the decline to habitat loss, insecticide use, and climate change, raising concerns for ecosystems and biodiversity.

• A study published in 'Science' reveals that butterfly populations in the contiguous United States have decreased by 22% between 2000 and 2022.
• The research analyzed data from over 12.6 million butterflies across 76,957 studies, marking it as one of the most extensive insect population studies to date.
• Key drivers of the decline include habitat destruction, widespread use of insecticides, and the effects of climate change, with dry and warm regions like the Southwest experiencing the steepest losses.
• Iconic species like the Monarch butterfly have been particularly affected, with their numbers dropping to fewer than 10,000 individuals from over 1.2 million in 1997.
• Experts emphasize the importance of restoring habitats and reducing stressors, noting that butterflies' rapid life cycles offer hope for recovery if conditions improve.

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