Farm management key to halting butterfly population decline
Butterfly Conservation Ireland (BCI) has said conservation efforts on farmland across Ireland are “more important than ever” as butterfly numbers decline across Ireland.
Butterfly populations have been declining since the 1970s according to Jesmond Harding, Conservation Officer.
Habitat specialist species like the Narrow-bordered Bee Hawkmoth and the Marsh Fritillary are increasingly threatened, while little is known of the status of our most range-limited Lepidoptera such as the White Prominent, Pearl-bordered Fritillary, and the Wood White.
Speaking on the weekly Teagasc Podcast, Mr. Harding emphasised the critical role that farmland habitats play in supporting these species and highlighted effective management strategies such as grazing, scrub control, and the maintenance of hedgerows and wildflower-rich areas.
With summertime and drier weather kicking in this weekend, there is likely to be increased activity on farmland across Ireland.
Mr. Harding spoke of the need for active conservation approaches to protect butterfly populations and preserve ecosystem balance.
Butterflies need varied environments with uncut hedgerows, scrubby areas, and naturally maintained grasslands to flourish.
Excessive management practices like frequent hedge trimming and clearing land damage habitats and reduce butterfly numbers. Farmers can support these essential species’ survival by implementing rotating cutting schedules and keeping natural scrubby areas intact.
BCI was established in 2008 by a group of dedicated naturalists following the alarming decline of our butterfly species.
