The Big Butterfly Count saw the nation reporting spotting butterflies this summer while out and about. The initiative was to help determine an accurate representation of the number of beautiful insects across the country. The results are in, and they’re absolutely grim: Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation has declared a butterfly emergency in the UK due to the lowest number of butterflies reported in 14 years.
The Big Butterfly Count results 2024
Overall, the Big Butterfly Count recorded just over 935,000 butterflies and day-flying moths across the UK between July 12 and August 4 from 85,000 participants. This was almost 600,000 less than the previous year.
On average, participants spotted seven butterflies every 15 minutes, with around a whopping 9,000 people reporting not seeing any butterflies at all. The count concluded almost a 50% decline to last year with a median number of 12, yet 2022 was not the best year ever either, with an average of nine butterflies spotted.
Why is the butterfly emergency alarming?
The results have alarmed scientists, as butterflies indicate a wider environmental problem and could mean the extinction of the colourful insects in our lifetime.
Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation, said: “A third of the species recorded in the Big Butterfly Count have had their worst year on record, and no species had their best. The results are in line with wider evidence that the summer of 2024 has been very poor for butterflies.”
“Butterflies are a key indicator species; when they are in trouble we know that the wider environment is in trouble too. Nature is sounding the alarm call. We must act now if we are to turn the tide on these rapid declines and protect species for future generations.”
Possible causes to the butterfly emergency in the UK
Neonicotinoid pesticides are widely used across the country and kill butterflies, bees and other insects. The chemicals are still technically legal, with some restrictions and subject to emergency authorisations of its use.
Dr Fox explains: “When used on farmland, these chemicals make their way into the wild plants growing at field edges, resulting in adult butterflies and moths drinking contaminated nectar and caterpillars feeding on contaminated plants.
“Many European countries have already banned these chemicals, it’s time for the UK to follow suit and put the natural world first. If we don’t act now to address the long-term drivers of butterfly decline, we will face extinction events never before seen in our lifetime.”
What can you do?
If you would like to help the butterfly emergency, scientists are urging the public to sign this open letter to the government to urge the banning of neonicotinoid pesticides and declare a nature emergency.