The European Butterfly Indicator for grassland species shows that since 1990, butterfly populations have declined by almost 70%, indicating a dramatic loss of grassland biodiversity

The European Butterfly Indicator for grassland species is based on 3,000 transects in national butterfly monitoring schemes in fifteen countries all over Europe. The indicator shows that since 1990, butterfly populations have declined by almost 70%, indicating a dramatic loss of grassland biodiversity. Of the seventeen species in the indicator, ten have declined in Europe and two have remained stable. For five species the trend is uncertain. The main driver behind the decline of grassland butterflies is the change in rural land use: agricultural intensification where the land is relatively flat and easy to cultivate, abandonment in mountains and wet areas, mainly in Eastern and Southern Europe. The implementation of the Natura 2000 areas will be most beneficial in the intensified parts of Europe, especially Northwest Europe, whereas the support of High Nature Value farmland is vital to stop abandonment, especially in Eastern and Southern Europe.

Source: European Butterfly Indicator shows decline grassland species
by
C h r i s v a n Swa a y, A r c o v a n S t r i e n & C a l i j n P l a t e (attached)