While butterflies are experiencing a worrying decline in countries like the United States, Colombia presents a positive outlook with an increase in the number of reported species.
According to the Colombian scientist Gonzalo Andrade, director of the Institute of Natural Sciences at the National University, environmental and conservation factors have favored these pollinators in the country.
Increase in butterfly species in Colombia
Significant increase: In recent decades, Colombia has gone from recording 3,250 species to 3,940 species of butterflies. This growth includes the discovery of species new to science.
Key factors: Butterflies depend on vegetation, and Colombia, with its rich biodiversity, has managed to maintain suitable habitats despite rains and droughts. The impact of climate change, although global, has not affected Colombia to the same extent as other countries.
Decline of butterflies in the United States
Alarming decrease:
- According to academics at the University of Michigan, the butterfly population in the United States has decreased by 20% between 2000 and 2020.
- 33% of individual species have experienced significant population losses.
Main threats:
- Indiscriminate use of insecticides, without defined mitigation strategies.
- Loss of natural habitats due to human expansion.
Recommendations:
- Implement more consistent conservation plans to prevent the extinction of affected species, especially in the southwestern United States.
Importance of butterflies
These insects are crucial pollinators, essential for ecosystem health. Their decline can lead to significant environmental threats, highlighting the need for global efforts to conserve these species.
Colombia, with its increase in species, demonstrates how biodiversity richness and strategic conservation can provide a refuge for butterflies, while the United States faces an urgent challenge to reverse the declining trend.
*With information from the ntn24 portal
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