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Bye bye butterflies

The Monarch Butterfly NZ Trust applauds Forest & Bird for echoing
its concerns about the loss of butterfly habitat in NZ

“We are very worried about what is happening to our environment,” said Vicky Steele, Trustee of the MBNZT. “Over the past summer we have had many reports that there are less butterflies – even fewer than the year before.”

She said that where people are planting milkweed and nectar plants, and controlling predators such as the wasps, Monarch butterfly populations are on the incline.

“But many people are unaware that flowers high in nectar are important for pollinators such as butterflies and bees,” she continued.

In an editorial in the May issue of the Forest & Bird magazine, Dr Peter Maddison reports that loss of habitat, climate change, and the effects of bio-control are major influencers on the apparent loss of butterfly species.

“We are confident that Monarch populations will recover,” continued Vicky, “as they are much loved ambassadors for the insect world. “We are telling home gardeners what they can do to encourage butterflies back into their gardens. And now our focus is shifting on to our endemic butterflies.”

Vicky cited the example of the Forest Ringlet (Dodonidia helmsii), which has now become extremely rare, as well as Red and Yellow Admirals.

“It would be tragic if we were to lose butterflies unique to New Zealand.”

The Monarch Butterfly NZ Trust has discussed their findings with beekeepers.

“It is clear that they also have concerns about the changes in the environment, and the effect that these are having on honey-bees,” continued Vicky. “Developers need to be more aware of the removal of large tracts of habitat. It can have a devastating effect on the landscape and the myriad of animal and plant life it supports.”

And ultimately, the loss of insect life has a direct effect on the food chain – and on which people depend.

ENDS

Website: www.monarch.org.nz

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