Declining insect populations in Canada and the U.S
Declining insect populations in Canada and the U.S:
A new study finds that butterfly populations have declined 22% between 2000 and 2020.
By: Sabrina Careri
Declining insect populations in Canada and the U.S:
A new study finds that butterfly populations have declined 22% between 2000 and 2020.
A new study finds that butterfly populations have declined 22% between 2000 and 2020. These numbers act as a key indicator of the current state and health of our global ecosystems.
This recent CBC article (Chung, 2025) highlights the alarming decline in butterfly populations across Canada and the U.S., based on a study published by Science earlier this month. From the study, researchers discovered a significant reduction in both the diversity and population size of butterflies, reporting a 22% decline between 2000 and 2020. Butterflies are not only essential pollinators, but at every stage of their life cycle, they also play various vital roles in the food chain and in supporting biodiversity. These numbers act as a key indicator of the current state and health of our global ecosystems.
Of the 350 species examined in the study, 13 times more species were declining than increasing, and more than 100 species had lost more than half their population. This decline in butterfly populations is representative of the broader, global trend in biodiversity numbers. According to the World Wildlife Fund’s 2024 Living Planet Report, global wildlife populations have declined by an average of 73% since 1970 (based on the species observed). The report attributes this drastic reduction to habitat destruction, overexploitation, pollution, invasive species, disease, and climate change.
The alarming loss of Earth’s species, especially insects, is dire, threatening ecosystem stability and the essential services they provide, including pollination, water purification, and climate regulation. To mitigate the decline and preserve butterfly species, the article emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts, such as habitat restoration, and participating in citizen science initiatives, presenting hope for future insect populations. However, success is dependent on engagement in these efforts across communities, contributing to biodiversity recovery and underscoring the crucial role of citizen science in protecting wildlife and safeguarding future populations of pollinators. Likewise, raising awareness and volunteering in local conservation programs, can help protect endangered species, regenerate ecosystems and foster biodiversity.
The article also draws attention to the role of gardening and supporting urban biodiversity as an excellent way to help slow the decline of butterfly populations by prioritizing species butterflies depend on (e.g., Milkweed). The gardens in our yards and on our balconies, especially those filled with native plants, support thriving insect, pollinator and bird communities by providing food, shelter and places to reproduce. Not to mention, providing us with countless mental and physical benefits too! Nature supports us, but science is clear – Earth’s species are disappearing. By ensuring species have the resources they need to survive, we can reverse the downward trend and protect biodiversity before it’s too late.
For more information and helpful tips on how to support biodiversity from your garden, visit out Gardening for Biodiversity Booklets!
