The development of butterfly indicators in the United Kingdom and assessments in 2010

摘要: The United Kingdom (UK) Government has national and international commitments to tackle the rate of biodiversity loss by 2010. Biodiversity indicators are used measure communicate progress in meeting these commitments. From 2005 onwards, butterflies have been adopted as Governmental England, Scotland for UK a whole. compiled using butterfly abundance data collected through Butterfly Monitoring Scheme, at network site established from 1976 onwards. show that numbers fluctuated considerably year-to-year, though analysis underlying smoothed multi-species trends (habitat) ‘specialist’ species significant long-term declines each country since 1970s. Trends wider countryside ‘generalist’ vary country-level little or no overall change across UK, over selected years England. Comparisons changes before after 2010 target was set 2002 suggest decline UK-level is increasing specialist species. In spite large amounts investment 2000 improve habitat condition protected areas, trend populations different areas compared elsewhere. Analysis policy sector shows declining rapidly both forestry land farmland, although latter type, improvements being seen on entered into agri-environment schemes. We conclude assessing extent which may represent broader help inform evaluate conservation policy.