US Butterfly Populations Decline 22%

A new study published in the journal Science reveals that butterfly populations in the Lower 48 states of the United States have declined by 22% since 2000, with an average annual fall of 1.3%. The study, co-authored by Hunter March of Michigan State University and led by Demarco (musician) of the United States — California Department of Fish and Wildlife, attributes this decline primarily to insecticides, climate change, and habitat loss. David Wagner of the University of Connecticut described the loss as 'catastrophic and saddening'. Federal officials are considering adding monarch butterflies to the threatened species list due to their drastic population drop. The Southwest region of the United States has experienced the most significant decreases. Experts like Karen Oberhauser of the United States — University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents and Parag Agrawal of Cornell University warn that this decline is a critical indicator of broader environmental health issues, impacting ecosystems and potentially human well-being.