THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY
Butterflies, like many insects across the UK have undeniable importance to the ecosystem. Maintaining butterfly populations has become a priority across the globe as anthropogenic activities increase to threaten butterfly species. One such species under threat in the UK is the Duke of Burgundy. Decline in flagship species over recent years has led to a review of the biodiversity action plans and the importance they have across the globe. This POSTnote examines the risks of butterfly decline for the UK, exploring the anthropogenic impacts on the Duke of Burgundy and assessing relevant strategies to better conservation.
OVERVIEW
• Values of the Butterfly to humans.
• Urban sprawl and agricultural management changes have …show more content…
In the last 40 years three-quarters of Britain’s 59 butterfly species have declined due to environmental change. This is cause for concern not just for Butterfly populations but other wildlife species and the state of the environment as a whole. Having been studied for the past 300 years Butterflies have become part of our natural heritage developing significant intrinsic and aesthetic value (Butterfly Conservation, 2012). Loss of such an important and iconic symbol challenges the values held on the environment and questions the priorities given to conservation (Box 1).
Box 1. Aesthetic Value of Butterflies
• It has been agreed that aesthetic experience is a basic human need and a biological necessity (Threshow, 1976). Emphasis is now placed on the beauty of nature and the potential natural history holds in providing a ‘healthy aesthetic experience’ (Coulson and Witter, 1984).
• Butterflies draw the attention of collectors, educators, naturalists and artists who then use them for educational purposes (Coulson and Witter, 1984).
• Throughout the 21st century aesthetic values will become more significant with increased urbanisation and the desire to escape the urban jungle.
• Butterflies have been referenced in much literature from the Bible to Shakespeare, as well as poetry and musical lyrics.
• Butterflies hold a symbolic meaning often relating to freedom, beauty and …show more content…
• Increased encouragement for public participation through citizen science schemes e.g the Big Butterfly Count.
The Duke of Burgundy is a threatened species. However it is not the only species threatened by population growth and climate change. Although strong strategies are in place, with benefits already being seen, there are still key areas of uncertainty. The impacts of population growth and particularly climate change are unprecedented. Growing evidence shows us the importance of nature and its positive effect on human health and wellbeing. Butterflies are indicators of the health of the environment and the efforts that should be made to conserve it. Furthermore in the current ‘climate’ and following Brexit (Box 5) the situation is likely to worsen with a reduction in government funding towards the environment (Institute fro fiscal studies, 2015). Now more than ever the importance of citizen science must be demonstrated. Increased public influence on the government is needed to help maintain positive attitudes towards
Butterflies, like many insects across the UK have undeniable importance to the ecosystem. Maintaining butterfly populations has become a priority across the globe as anthropogenic activities increase to threaten butterfly species. One such species under threat in the UK is the Duke of Burgundy. Decline in flagship species over recent years has led to a review of the biodiversity action plans and the importance they have across the globe. This POSTnote examines the risks of butterfly decline for the UK, exploring the anthropogenic impacts on the Duke of Burgundy and assessing relevant strategies to better conservation.
OVERVIEW
• Values of the Butterfly to humans.
• Urban sprawl and agricultural management changes have …show more content…
In the last 40 years three-quarters of Britain’s 59 butterfly species have declined due to environmental change. This is cause for concern not just for Butterfly populations but other wildlife species and the state of the environment as a whole. Having been studied for the past 300 years Butterflies have become part of our natural heritage developing significant intrinsic and aesthetic value (Butterfly Conservation, 2012). Loss of such an important and iconic symbol challenges the values held on the environment and questions the priorities given to conservation (Box 1).
Box 1. Aesthetic Value of Butterflies
• It has been agreed that aesthetic experience is a basic human need and a biological necessity (Threshow, 1976). Emphasis is now placed on the beauty of nature and the potential natural history holds in providing a ‘healthy aesthetic experience’ (Coulson and Witter, 1984).
• Butterflies draw the attention of collectors, educators, naturalists and artists who then use them for educational purposes (Coulson and Witter, 1984).
• Throughout the 21st century aesthetic values will become more significant with increased urbanisation and the desire to escape the urban jungle.
• Butterflies have been referenced in much literature from the Bible to Shakespeare, as well as poetry and musical lyrics.
• Butterflies hold a symbolic meaning often relating to freedom, beauty and …show more content…
• Increased encouragement for public participation through citizen science schemes e.g the Big Butterfly Count.
The Duke of Burgundy is a threatened species. However it is not the only species threatened by population growth and climate change. Although strong strategies are in place, with benefits already being seen, there are still key areas of uncertainty. The impacts of population growth and particularly climate change are unprecedented. Growing evidence shows us the importance of nature and its positive effect on human health and wellbeing. Butterflies are indicators of the health of the environment and the efforts that should be made to conserve it. Furthermore in the current ‘climate’ and following Brexit (Box 5) the situation is likely to worsen with a reduction in government funding towards the environment (Institute fro fiscal studies, 2015). Now more than ever the importance of citizen science must be demonstrated. Increased public influence on the government is needed to help maintain positive attitudes towards