On the list of France’s most endangered species, butterflies are in a critical situation, with no fewer than 16 species in danger. Climate change in the northern hemisphere and, above all, man’s actions mean that butterflies are becoming increasingly rare in France. And because butterflies are essential to our survival, it’s vital that we protect them from the extinction that threatens them. So which butterfly species are threatened?
16 threatened butterfly species in France
According to one study, of the 253 species of butterfly in France, 16 are threatened and a further 18 are near-threatened. These 16 species include butterflies that have existed in France for centuries. Such is the case of the Hermit, among others. The main factors affecting butterfly populations are :
- agricultural intensification,
- the massive increase in abandoned land (alluding in particular to the vast areas of abandoned grassland in mountainous and humid regions).
Agricultural intensification also leads to the formation of uniform grasslands. Unfortunately, the latter is almost sterile for biodiversity. Butterflies are also vulnerable to the pesticides often used in intensively managed farming systems. When farming on low-productivity land brings little income, and there is little or no support from the Common Agricultural Policy, farmers abandon their businesses and the land is not worked as it should be. The meadow will eventually be overgrown and turn into scrubland, a hostile environment for butterflies.
An extinction that needs everyone’s awareness
Faced with this imminent extinction, which would deprive future generations of the benefits this insect brings to biodiversity, it is more than important to take steps that everyone can undertake to protect butterflies.
Join projects to protect endangered species
In France, there are several NGOs and associations working to protect endangered or simply endangered animals. Everyone, from the very young to the very old, can help out as a volunteer. For example, visit chevalier-de-lastree.eu and take part in a fabulous project to protect foraging insects, including endangered butterfly species.
Find out more about endangered species in your area
Teach your friends and family all about the wildlife, birds, fish and plants that live near you. The first step in protecting endangered species is learning how interesting and important they are. Our natural world provides us with many indispensable services, including air, clean water and sources of food and medicine, not to mention commercial, aesthetic and recreational benefits.
Visit a national wildlife refuge, park or other open space area
These protected lands provide habitat for many wild animals, insects, fish and native plants. Scientists tell us that the best way to protect endangered species is to preserve the places where they live. Get involved by volunteering at a local nature center or refuge. Go wildlife or bird watching in nearby parks. Wildlife-related recreation creates millions of jobs and supports local businesses.
Butterflies: essential to the planet’s well-being
More than just foraging insects, butterflies are vital to the planet’s equilibrium. Human nutrition, plant control and ecosystem health all depend on these insects.
Plant pollination
Adult butterflies drink nectar from flowers. They use a long proboscis to penetrate deep into the flower to obtain the nectar. The proboscis, which is part of their mouth, functions like a long straw that butterflies twist into a spiral when not in use.
Like bees and other pollinators, butterflies collect pollen by sipping nectar from a flower. Once they move on to another plant, the pollen accompanies them, helping to pollinate the plant species. Around a third of the food people eat therefore depends on the work of pollinators such as butterflies, among others.
Keeping organisms under control
Butterflies, in their larval or caterpillar stage, consume the leaves of host plants. Caterpillars have chewing tips that enable them to eat rapidly through the leaves, using them as an energy source while the larvae grow. Some caterpillars also eat flowers or seed pods. As a result, they can help plants shed their leaves before autumn, or prevent certain plant species from spreading out of control.
Part of the food cycle
At any stage of their life cycle, butterflies are a source of food for other animals. Birds, spiders, lizards, small mammals and even other insects are all predators of butterflies. Birds like caterpillars because they move slowly and are easy to catch.
A butterfly chrysalis, the final larval stage before the adult butterfly emerges, is vulnerable because it is anchored in rocks, plants or other structures. Adult butterflies generally live only a few weeks to about a month, due to both a naturally short lifespan and predation.
Ecosystem barometer
Scientists use the presence or absence of butterflies as an indicator of ecosystem health. Climate change has a direct impact on butterflies. Changes in temperature and precipitation levels will alter butterfly migration and reproduction patterns. Ecologists are therefore studying butterfly behavior, numbers and migration patterns to help determine the impact of these environmental problems.
