A recent study has revealed that a whopping 22% of butterfly species in the United States have disappeared in the last 20 years. Make no mistake – this is an emergency. The loss of butterflies is not just a tragic consequence for these beautiful insects, but a sign of a much larger environmental crisis. Despite their critical role in pollination, habitat health, and ecosystem balance, butterflies are being pushed to the brink due to habitat loss, climate change, and pesticide use. Now more than ever, it’s crucial that we invest in butterfly conservation efforts before it’s too late.
Sign the petition to demand increased federal funding for butterfly conservation programs to reverse their decline and protect vital ecosystems.
Butterflies are essential to our environment – they pollinate flowers, plants, and crops, supporting biodiversity and food production. However, in recent decades, butterfly populations have plummeted, with over 100 species seeing declines of more than 50% between 2000 and 2020. Some species, including the Hermes copper and sandhill skipper, have seen declines of more than 90%. Despite these alarming statistics, funding for butterfly conservation remains severely limited compared to larger, more charismatic species.
This isn’t just a problem for butterflies; it’s part of a broader insect and biodiversity crisis that threatens the health of our ecosystems. Climate change, the destruction of natural habitats, and the use of harmful pesticides all contribute to the decline of these crucial species. The good news is that modest environmental changes – like planting native flowers and protecting habitats – can have an immediate and positive impact on butterfly populations.
Now is the time to take action. Federal investment in butterfly conservation is essential to reverse these trends, support habitat restoration, and protect this critical part of our biodiversity. We urge U.S. lawmakers and conservation agencies to dedicate more funding to butterfly conservation efforts and to create policies that address the root causes of their decline.
Sign the petition to demand that the U.S. government prioritize the protection of butterflies and invest in their future.
This article by Nicholas Vincent was first published by One Green Planet on 8 April 2025. Lead Image: Image Credit :Marv Vandehey/Shutterstock.
What you can do
Wildlife continues to face threats, which include hunting, poaching, illegal trade in animal products, habitat loss as well as a rapidly changing climate.
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