Climate change is adversely affecting butterfly populations in Greece, with rising temperatures leading to fewer food sources, shorter flowering periods, and potential size reduction. Research by the University of Ioannina aims to identify trends in butterfly size over the past century, highlighting the global nature of this issue.
In a controlled environment at a zoo located near Athens, multi-hued butterflies are observed feeding on orange slices, shielded from the adverse effects of climate change that are jeopardizing their populations throughout Greece and beyond. Rising temperatures are complicating the survival of butterflies in Greece, which is home to approximately 237 species. The availability of food is diminishing, flowering periods are becoming increasingly truncated, and experts are now raising concerns that these butterflies may be experiencing a reduction in size. This issue is not limited to Greece; similar declines in specific species have been noted in regions such as Mexico and Britain. “Climate change is impacting butterflies … that rely on temperature to perform essential activities such as mating, reproduction, growth, and feeding,” stated Konstantinos Anagnostellis, an agronomist involved in the research. Anagnostellis is a member of the MEIOSIS project—derived from the Greek word for shrinking—conducted by the University of Ioannina. This research initiative focuses on assessing the body weight of over 50,000 butterfly specimens collected over the past century to analyze their decreasing size in relation to climate change.
Climate change poses a significant threat to butterfly populations around the world, particularly in biodiverse regions such as Greece. Conditions such as rising temperatures and altered flowering patterns complicate the butterflies’ ability to thrive, leading to reduced food sources and potentially smaller body sizes. The research conducted by the University of Ioannina aims to document and understand these changes over time, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation efforts as butterflies struggle to adapt to their shifting habitats.
In summary, the impact of climate change on Greece’s butterfly population is profound, manifesting through diminished food availability, altered life cycles, and potential reductions in size. The findings of researchers underscore the urgent need to address these environmental changes to preserve these delicate species.
Original Source: www.swissinfo.ch
