• Butterfly populations in the U.S. have dropped by 22% from 2000 to 2020.
• Over a third of butterfly species examined are experiencing significant population declines.
• Main factors contributing to this decline include habitat loss, climate change, and pesticide use.

The study conducted by researchers from Binghamton University and published in the journal Science provides alarming data showing that butterfly populations in the United States have declined by more than a fifth, or approximately 22%, between 2000 and 2020. This decline was based on an extensive dataset that included 12.6 million butterflies documented through nearly 76,000 surveys across 35 monitoring programs, indicating a profound reduction in overall butterfly abundance. The investigation revealed that approximately 33% of butterfly species experienced significant declines, with 107 of the 342 species examined losing more than 50% of their populations, and some, like the Florida white and Mitchell's satyr, suffering losses exceeding 99% (CBS News). Collin Edwards, the lead author of the study from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, described the findings as a "wake-up call." He pointed out that annual butterfly abundance in the U.S. decreased by 1.3% over this two-decade span. Most affected were species in arid and hot climates, particularly in the southwestern United States, where population drops were most pronounced (Channel News Asia). Both climate change, which alters habitats and food availability, and pesticide use, which directly harms butterfly populations, have been identified as significant contributors to this troubling trend (The Hill). Scientists emphasize the crucial ecological role butterflies play, acting as key pollinators that support plant reproduction and maintain healthy ecosystems. "The loss of butterflies is a warning sign of broader environmental issues," noted Elise Zipkin, a co-author of the study. She advocated for urgent conservation strategies to mitigate these trends, such as habitat restoration and the reduction of harmful insecticides (ABC News). Despite these declines, researchers maintain that with effective conservation measures, butterfly populations could potentially rebound. Simple actions like planting native wildflowers and reducing pesticide use can significantly improve local butterfly habitats (NPR). The study has been heralded as one of the most comprehensive assessments of butterfly populations across the nation, bringing to light the pressing need for conservation efforts (BBC).