Home / Environment / Rare Butterfly Soars 90x in Kent After Habitat Push
Rare Butterfly Soars 90x in Kent After Habitat Push
10 Jun
Summary
- Rare butterfly population grew by over 90 times in two decades.
- Caterpillars depend on specific cowslip and primrose conditions.
- Conservation efforts in Kent show significant positive results.
A rare butterfly species, the Duke of Burgundy, has experienced a dramatic population increase in Kent over the past two decades. In 2005, fewer than 50 of these butterflies were recorded, but by last year, their numbers had climbed to nearly 600.
Conservationists attribute this significant rise to dedicated efforts in creating new habitats. Working with farmers, specific food sources like cowslips and primroses were planted in conditions suitable for the Duke of Burgundy caterpillars.
This success is particularly noteworthy as the butterfly's distribution has declined by 89% across the UK since 1982. Kent's recovery is hailed as a prime example of effective environmental land management schemes, demonstrating that even critically endangered species can be revived with the right approach.
