Butterflies and Beyond: A Call to Action for Pollinator Conservation
As dedicated butterfly enthusiasts, we’ve spent countless hours observing, documenting, and marvelling at the delicate beauty of these winged wonders. But a groundbreaking new scientific paper reminds us that butterflies are just one piece of a much larger and increasingly threatened pollinator puzzle.
The paper “Insect Pollinators: The Time is Now for identifying species of greatest conservation need” brings together experts from Maine, New York, Vermont, and Connecticut to make a compelling case for expanding pollinator protection efforts. Let’s dive into the essential findings and what they mean for our community of citizen scientists.
The Power of Community Science
First and foremost, this paper is a testament to the incredible impact of community science efforts like eButterfly. The authors highlight how projects driven by passionate volunteers have revolutionized our understanding of pollinator populations:
- In Maine, the Maine Butterfly Survey added over 34,000 new records to the state’s database.
- Vermont saw a staggering increase from about 5,000 butterfly records in 1995 to nearly 60,000 by 2015, thanks mainly to community efforts.
- These data explosions aren’t limited to butterflies. In Connecticut, digitization of museum specimens and new survey efforts have documented about 385 bee species in the state.
Your dedicated observations are quite literally changing the scientific landscape, providing researchers with an unprecedented wealth of data to inform conservation efforts.
Beyond Butterflies: A Wider View of Pollinators
While we cherish our focus on butterflies, the paper emphasizes the need to expand conservation efforts to other crucial pollinator groups:
- Bees: Often considered the heavyweight champions of pollination, many bee species face serious declines. In Vermont alone, three bumble bee species appear to have recently gone extinct.
- Moths: These night-flying relatives of butterflies are important pollinators, especially for night-blooming plants.
- Flower Flies: Also known as hover flies, these bee mimics are efficient pollinators often overlooked in conservation planning.
- Beetles: Many beetle species play important roles in pollination, especially for ancient plant lineages.
The paper argues that many of these lesser-known pollinators deserve the same level of attention and protection that butterflies and some bee species currently receive.
Alarming Declines Across the Board
One of the most sobering aspects of the paper is its documentation of widespread pollinator declines:
- In Connecticut, 43 bee species haven’t been seen in the state since 2000.
- New York’s comprehensive pollinator survey found that about 60% of assessed species are at risk of extinction in the state.
- Climate change, habitat loss, pesticides, and introduced diseases are all contributing to these declines.
The urgency of the situation is apparent: we need to act now to protect our diverse pollinator communities.
Species of Greatest Conservation Need: A Critical Tool
The authors argue that a critical step in pollinator protection is expanding state lists of “Species of Greatest Conservation Need” (SGCN). This designation is more than just a label – it can unlock vital funding and resources for research and conservation efforts.
Historically, insects (beyond some butterflies) have been underrepresented on these lists. The paper makes a strong case that we now have enough data on many pollinator species to justify their inclusion as SGCNs.
What This Means for eButterfly Users
Keep observing and reporting! Your butterfly sightings are more valuable than ever. They contribute to long-term datasets that help scientists identify population trends and conservation needs.
Expand your focus: While continuing your butterfly observations, consider learning about and documenting other pollinators as well. Projects like iNaturalist or local bee surveys can be excellent complements to your eButterfly activities.
Habitat matters: Pay attention to the plants and environments where you find butterflies. This habitat information is crucial for conservation planning.
Spread the word: Share your passion for butterflies and pollinators with others. The more people engaged in community science, the better our data becomes.
Support conservation initiatives: Stay informed about local and national efforts to protect pollinators. Your voice as a knowledgeable citizen scientist can be powerful in advocating for pollinator-friendly policies.
A Call for Holistic Pollinator Protection
This paper is a rallying cry for a more comprehensive approach to pollinator conservation. While butterflies will always hold a special place in our hearts, we’re part of a bigger movement to protect the diverse insects that keep our ecosystems functioning and our crops producing.
As we head into another season of butterfly-watching, let’s challenge ourselves to broaden our view. Notice the bees visiting flowers, the moths fluttering at dusk, and the subtle flower flies hovering nearby. Whether logged in eButterfly or another community science platform, each observation contributes to our understanding of these vital creatures.
Together, we can help ensure a future where not just butterflies but all of our essential pollinators continue to thrive. The authors of this paper have shown us that the time to act is now – and as community scientists, we have a crucial role to play.
Happy butterfly (and pollinator) watching!
Rodrigo
Human Network and Data Coordinator
P.S. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this paper and expanding pollinator conservation efforts. Share your comments below, and let’s keep this important conversation going!