Butterflies: conservation of nature can prevent extinction

He continues become extinct of the butterflies and other insects in Europe is due to changes in habitats andintensification fromAgriculture. The great disappearance of butterflies and insects occurred in the 1960s, when agriculture industrialized. But then it was from the 1980s that the moths declined in the mountains and in almost natural areas.

Here are the conclusions of a study by international experts showing how the storage of the nature can save species from extinction. Data from 68 butterfly species found near Salzburg, Austria, showed that numerous species had already declined over the past century. It was clear that the first extinctions were related to butterflies that live in sensitive ecosystems, such as swamps.

These habitats were already destroyed at the end of the 19th century, during the period of the most intensive population growth in Europe, due to the strong expansion of agriculture and forestry.

biologist Jan Christian Habel of the University of Salzburg, lead author of the study

In the middle of the last century, many butterflies became extinct due to the deterioration of the quality of their habitat. In short, research shows that the main culprit in the disappearance of butterflies, bumblebees and other insects is due toindustrialization Agriculture. As a result, the intensive use of pesticides and fertilizers began in the 1960s.

Almost more flowery valley meadows with their high biodiversity, so the butterflies disappear with them.

Die Zeit