Massive declines in insect biodiversity and biomass are reported from many regions and habitats. In urban areas, creation of native wildflower meadows is one option to support insects and reduce maintenance costs of urban green spaces. However, benefits for insect conservation may depend on previous land use, and the size …
The release of radioactive materials due to the Fukushima nuclear accident has raised concern regarding the biological impacts of ingesting radioactively contaminated diets on organisms. We previously performed an internal exposure experiment in which contaminated leaves collected from polluted areas were fed to larvae of the pale grass blue butterfly, …
The small tortoiseshell butterfly has continued to fight back against long-term declines this year, an annual survey has revealed. The familiar butterfly, which has lost three-quarters of its population since the 1970s, increased in numbers by more than a fifth on last summer's figures in the Big Butterfly Count. It …
Monarch butterflies are dying off fast, with 90 per cent gone in the last 20 years, and they urgently need endangered species protection, a coalition of environmental and health groups said. The cause of their decline is the rapid loss of milkweed, the plant on which they feed and breed, …
Two species of butterflies that live in South Florida will be listed as endangered under federal law, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Monday. The official listing of the Bartram's scrub-hairstreak and Florida leafwing butterflies under the Endangered Species Act, expected on Tuesday, will make it illegal to capture …
The number of butterflies seems to have reduced in the City over the years due to increasing urbanisation and pollution levels. However, according to experts, the exact number and species is not known. To get an accurate picture of the situation, like it is available in other countries, the National …
Neurotoxic pesticides blamed for the world's bee collapse are also harming butterflies, worms, fish and birds, said a scientific review that called on Tuesday for tighter regulation to curb their use. Analyzing two decades of reports on the topic, an international panel of 29 scientists found there was "clear evidence …
Researchers from the biodiversity department of Abasaheb Garware College have recorded the presence of 70 species of dragonflies in northern part of Western Ghats during a project funded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the University of Pune (UoP). Four out of the 70 species were found in …
The Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary in Sonitpur district is on the verge of extinction due to the negligence of the Forest Department. In 1998, it was declared a forest sanctuary, and its total area was 220 sq km. As of now, its area has declined to 134 sq km due …
Delhi being termed as “most polluted city in the world” by the recent WHO report poses a serious threat to wildlife in the Capital. Delhi is a safe haven to more than 250 species of migratory birds, 150 species of butterflies and 10 species each of animals comprising hyena, fox, …
Documents show Natural England believes spraying will not eradicate oak processionary moth and could harm butterflies Woodland will be sprayed with insecticide from a helicopter for a second time to wipe out a caterpillar that is destroying the UK's oak trees, despite the government regulator saying in private that such …
A flutter here, a peek-a-boo there and a bright flash of colours elsewhere — welcome to Central Delhi’s only open butterfly conservatory which boasts 24 varieties of the species. Spread over 3.5 acres of green insecticide/pesticide free zone, the butterfly park — out of bounds for the general public — …
Quino checkerspot, native to Mexico and California, shifts to higher altitude and chooses new species of plant for laying eggs A butterfly species whose population collapsed because of climate change and habitat loss has defied predictions of extinction to rapidly move to cooler climes and change its food plant. The …
Animals and plants are already today adapting to the rising temperatures at a surprising pace. Alpine ecosystems are on the rise. Between 2003 and 2010, plants have managed to scramble up another eight metres of mountain slope. On the way up, they were overtaken by butterflies, which collectively gained another …
Environmentalists Back Gadgil Committee Report On Western Ghats Conservation Kannur: At a time when the Centre has conceded to Kerala’s demands on Western Ghats by withdrawing its inprinciple acceptance of the Kasturirangan committee report, many environmentalists are harping on implementing the suggestions of the Madhav Gadgil committee report for its …
Hyderabad: City entomologists have expressed concern over the dwindling number of butterflies in the state. Considered as the indicators of a healthy eco-system, the number of butterfly species have come down gradually from 116, as recorded last in October 2012, to just 35 this year. Post monsoon is considered very …
One of the most beautiful butterflies in the country, Baronet Euthalia nais, found only in the Nilgala area, particularly in the Gal Oya National Park, is facing a severe threat due to the beedi industry destroying its habitat, says naturalist cum author Rajika Gamage. Beedi (the poor man’s cigarette) makers …
Audit reveals 70% of priority species have suffered long-term decline since 1970 Some of Britain's most endangered wildlife has fallen under further threat through shrinking populations during the last 40 years, new figures have shown. An audit of more than 200 native species - including birds, bats, moths, butterflies, hares …
A rare sub-species of butterfly has been discovered by two scientists at Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, much to the delight of in the country. Sanjoy Sondhi and Purnendu Roy, the scientists working at Dehradun-based Titli Trust, a non-profit body working for conservation of nature, …
New finds rekindle interest in melanism in the wild in Palakkad Some of the wild animals in the forests of Silent Valley, Parambikulam, Nelliampathy and Attappady in the district are, it seems, not showing their true colours. Forest officials say the increased presence of melanism in the animals in these …
Increasing concretization and loss of greenery have led to a dwindling of the city's butterfly population. But now, a group of schoolchildren, as part of a community initiative, is working to bring the colourful insects back to town. The plan is to place nectar-rich plants like lantanas, which attract butterflies, …
