How are butterflies in Italy and in the world? In what conditions are their natural habitats? What are the risk factors affecting these insects, fundamental for the balance of the ecosystem? Each of us can contribute to answering these questions thanks to the butterfly census launched by the World Sustainability Organization , the Italian NGO that certifies eco-sustainable companies and products through the Friend of the Sea and Friend of the Earth labels.

Participating is very simple. Once you have spotted a butterfly, just take a photo and send it (also via Whatsapp) to the organization, along with your coordinates. In return, you receive information on the species and apply for the prize intended for those who send the greatest number of contributions. Above all, you are certain that you have contributed to updating the map and statistics : data are in fact the essential starting point for identifying problems and proposing solutions.

We asked the director of the World Sustainability Organization, Paolo Bray , how this initiative is progressing. 

The butterfly census is a global initiative: which countries does it involve?

Butterflies migrate, they know no borders and it is therefore coherent to propose this citizen science project at an international level. We have received photos from over 15 countries around the world, from 4 continents : Italy, Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, USA, Madagascar, Switzerland, Romania, Turkey, Morocco, Bulgaria, France, Greece, India, Japan, Portugal, Canada, England.

The initiative also allowed us to raise awareness among citizens through the international media. We tell about the incredible biodiversity of butterflies and moths . Their important role as insects that allow pollination, that protect some plants and that in general contribute as prey to the health of ecosystems. 

The limited scientific knowledge of the biological cycles of these amazing insects (the status of only 1% of the 230,000 species of butterflies and moths in the world is known) is a reflection of the public’s lack of knowledge and interest in them. For this reason, it is essential to raise awareness in order to promote their conservation (some populations have reduced by over 90%, such as the Western Monarch; it is estimated that on average in Europe the average reduction is 50%) and to avoid the destruction of their habitat. . 

At what point is this activity in Italy?

We have received over 500 photos of butterflies in Italy . Biodiversity in Italy is the highest in Europe, with 289 species, out of about 380 in Europe. 18 of the Italian butterflies are in serious danger of extinction . The main causes are habitat loss, unsustainable agriculture, roads and urbanization in general.

From the information gathered , we are producing a study that will be launched in December. The first data inform us of the presence of butterflies outside the normal range and also encouraging reports of species considered very rare , but which apparently still stubbornly resist the changes in the habitats caused by anthropogenic activity. 

How will the collected data be used?

The data collected in this first year of experience will be shared with other research centers and WSO will support conservation projects , which are more effective in protecting habitats and raising awareness. Over the years we have also actively promoted ex-situ reproduction projects of butterflies in danger of extinction , then releasing them in protected areas suitable for their reproduction. A small symbolic contribution to a problem that generally concerns the conservation of habitats.

Your declared objective is to “raise awareness among local administrations regarding the need to protect the territory”. Specifically, what are the main issues and how should they be addressed?

Although some butterfly species thrive in man-made habitats, most populations suffer from the impact of unsustainable agriculture and the extension of urbanized areas . The presence of vehicles on the roads also determines a high mortality.

Friend of the Earth already operates by promoting good agricultural practices and certifying agricultural products that respect the environment and biodiversity. Farms with Friend of the Earth certified products maintain and increase the corridors of biodiversity in agricultural sites , also favoring the presence of butterflies and moths. 

Following the launch of the study to complete the first year of the Global Census, we will send the text of the study to the main local administrations , proposing initiatives that would make it possible to protect the butterfly populations most at risk.

As it turns out that vehicular traffic is a major cause of butterfly mortality, we will identify the areas and roads where the likelihood of mortality of endangered species is highest and propose the display of adequate signage and facilities to protect butterflies and raise awareness. We have foreseen similar initiatives in general for the protection of the habitats of endangered species.