Marsh fritillary butterfly shows recovery in Northern Ireland
Summary: The marsh fritillary butterfly is showing signs of recovery in Northern Ireland, with 679 caterpillar webs counted in 2024, up from 256 in 2023. This increase comes despite the species being classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss.
The butterfly's population has declined significantly since the 1980s, but recent monitoring indicates a stable status in Northern Ireland. Environmental protections and favorable weather conditions have contributed to this positive trend.
Conservation groups are advocating for more support for agri-environment schemes to enhance grassland habitats. These efforts aim to sustain the marsh fritillary and other species that rely on similar environments.
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