[Pollinator] U.K. Butterflies Are Increasingly `At Risk, ' Ministry Says

[Matthew Shepherd (Xerces Society)]

U.K. Butterflies Are Increasingly `At Risk,' Ministry Says 
March 2, 2006
Full article on Bloomberg.com, at: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000102&sid=a9bRgW3QnOVk&refer=uk

Butterflies are in decline and ``increasingly at risk'' in Britain's farmlands, a sign that may indicate a wider decline in the health of the national ecosystem, the U.K. environment ministry said. 

A study of 40 butterfly species showed that their numbers have declined by about 30 percent on British farmland over the past decade, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said today in an e-mailed statement. 

``Butterflies are an iconic species in their own right, and they can be good indicators of the health of the entire ecosystem, so this decline is worrying,'' Biodiversity Minister Jim Knight said in the statement. ``The implications for other insects, birds and mammals are concerning.'' 

The decline can be put down to a ``variety'' of reasons, including humans cutting back bracken and scrub, and overgrazing by rabbits, DEFRA said. An analysis of more than 820 sites covered by the survey showed that most ``priority'' species of butterflies did better on farmland managed under government plans that promote environmental protection, DEFRA said. 
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The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation
Protecting wildlife through science-based advocacy, education, 
and conservation projects since 1971. To join the Society, make a 
contribution, or read about our work, please visit www.xerces.org.

Matthew Shepherd
Director, Pollinator Conservation Program
4828 SE Hawthorne Boulevard, Portland, OR 97215, USA
Tel: 503-232 6639 Fax: 503-233 6794
Email: mdshepherd at xerces.org 
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