Catastrophe in the natural world: Stunning decrease in butterfly population marks the worst summer yet on record

The Big Butterfly Count, a nationwide citizen science project in the UK, has revealed a shocking decline in butterfly populations this year. Over 9,000 counts reported not seeing a single butterfly, and 81% of the species showed declines in number compared to 2023.

This year, 85,000 people took part in the Big Butterfly Count, which took place between 12 July to 4 August in 2024. However, despite six thousand more counts being done, the average number of butterflies per count was the lowest ever in its 14-year history. The average number of butterflies spotted per 15-minute count was seven, which is a 50% reduction compared to last year's average of 12.

A third of the species recorded in the 2024 Big Butterfly Count had their worst year on record, and no species had their best. The average number of Common Blue, Holly Blue, Green-veined White, Small White, Small Tortoiseshell, Painted Lady, and Scotch Argus butterflies per count in 2024 was the lowest ever, at 22 (a 22% decrease from the previous lowest average in 2022).

Butterfly Conservation, an environmental organization, has declared a Nature Emergency due to these results. Dr Richard Fox, head of science at Butterfly Conservation, has urged the UK government to follow suit and put the natural world first. He stated, "If the long-term drivers of butterfly decline are not addressed, extinction events never before seen in our lifetime could occur."

The organization is calling upon the government to ban toxic neonicotinoid pesticides, which, when used on farmland, can contaminate wild plants growing at field edges, affecting adult butterflies and moths that drink contaminated nectar and caterpillars that feed on contaminated plants. Many European countries have already banned these pesticides.

To sign Butterfly Conservation's letter to the Government asking them to declare a 'Nature Emergency' and ban butterfly-killing neonicotinoid pesticides, visit: https://butterfly-conservation.org/emergency

The Big Butterfly Count will take place from 18 July to 10 August 2025. It is hoped that with continued public participation, more information can be gathered to better understand the factors contributing to the decline in butterfly populations and to develop effective conservation strategies.