If you’ve noticed fewer butterflies in your garden lately, you’re not imagining it – and scientists need your help to find out why.

The Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand Trust is calling on people across the country to take part in the Big Butterfly Count, a nationwide citizen-science project that asks everyday Kiwis to spend just 15 minutes counting butterflies in their backyard, local park, or school grounds.

The results will help build the clearest picture yet of how our butterflies are really doing. Counts are still valuable without expert identification but the guide in the app helps the inexperienced.

“People often tell us, ‘I don’t see as many butterflies as I used to,’” says Jacqui Knight, founding trustee of the Trust. “But without hard numbers, we’re guessing. The Big Butterfly Count turns those observations into real data we can use to protect them.”

“More than 90% of New Zealand’s native butterflies and moths are found nowhere else on Earth. If we lose them here, they’re gone forever.”

At the same time, beloved garden visitors like monarchs are facing pressures from habitat loss, pesticides, disease and climate change.

It seems like this summer people are noticing even less monarch butterflies in most parts of New Zealand… apart from small pockets where they are thriving. It’s a worrying trend the Trust hopes to solve.

“Counting butterflies might sound small, but when thousands of people take part, it becomes powerful,” said Brian Patrick, the MBNZT Biodiversity advisor. “It tells us where butterflies are thriving, where they’re disappearing, and where we need to act.”

Taking part is simple:

• Download the app.

• Spend 15 minutes outdoors

• Count the butterflies you see

• Submit your sightings as you go

Families, schools, gardeners and community groups are all encouraged to join in.

“It’s one of the easiest ways anyone can help conservation,” Knight says. “No nets, no special skills – just your eyes and a bit of time. And it’s surprisingly fun.”

To take part or for further information visit:
https://www.nzbutterflies.org.nz/project/big-butterfly-count/

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