Butterflies are on the move as the planet warms: new research
Conservation cannot only protect habitats where species once lived – it must include the places where they will relocate in a warming world.
A new research study reveals that butterflies are actively shifting their geographical range due to climate changes and environmental alterations around the world. With temperatures, rainfall, and habitats transforming, butterflies are relocating over extensive distances or even vertically up and down mountain ranges. This phenomenon, referred to as species range shifts or range redistribution, has been documented across 105 countries, covering 1,758 species.
One in ten known butterfly species has already shifted in range, indicating a significant impact on their distribution. The gram blue, for instance, has expanded its range in Australia, Nepal, and Oman. Various factors contribute to this phenomenon, with climate change and extreme weather events being the primary drivers. However, agriculture, forestry, urban development, and habitat destruction also play a crucial role in reshaping suitable habitats for butterflies.
The study highlights that conservation efforts must not only focus on the areas where butterflies previously existed but also on their potential relocation destinations and migration paths. This is especially important for regions with high biodiversity, such as Central Africa, Southeast Asia, New Guinea, and the Amazon Basin, where adequate monitoring and conservation measures are lacking.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
