Urban butterfly populations dropped by 69 percent compared with a 45 percent fall in rural areas since 1995, a study in the journal Ecological Indications says. While industrial agriculture, with its heavy use of chemicals and monoculture cropping, has long been considered the prime suspect in dwindling pollinator numbers, researchers say that urban butterflies are hurting even worse.
“Prof. Tom Brereton, head of monitoring at Butterfly Conservation at the University of Kent and one of the study’s co-authors, said causes included heightened effects of climate change in cities, building on urban green space, the loss of surprisingly wildlife-rich brownfield sites, council cuts and the neglect of parks and pesticide-wielding gardeners who have also turned lawns and flower beds into driveways and patios,” said The Guardian.
Breferton also blamed homeowners who convert gardens into paved driveways and patios, as well as city councils with falling budgets, who struggle to maintain green spaces in metropolitan areas.