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20/02/2006
Dramatic decline in British moths
A report into Britain's moth population has conclude that three-quarters of species are in decline and numbers of larger species have decreased by almost one third since 1968.
The falling moth population is causing concern for the future of many species of birds, bats and several small mammals that feed on the mainly night-flying relatives of butterflies.
Revealed in a new report entitled 'The State of Britain's Larger Moths,' the reasons for decline are uncertain, though habitat loss and climate change are implicated as being among the main causal factors.
Popular scientist Sir David Attenborough, in a foreword to the report, describes its conclusions as "significant and worrying".
Sir David, who recently fascinated the nation with his BBC series 'Life in the Undergrowth', says: "Moths are valuable indicators of what is happening in our countryside. Other insects too are almost certainly in decline."
The report's key conclusions are:
The report, funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, has been compiled by the UK charity Butterfly Conservation. It includes data collected by the scientific institute Rothamsted Research from a nationwide network of moth light-traps established in 1968.
The traps, run by volunteers, have been located in all sorts of habitats from the coast to upland moor, from woodland to private garden. Ian Woiwood, of Rothamsted Research, says: "This long-running data is unique and has highlighted a very serious ecological issue - the decline of common insects."
Butterfly Conservation is now seeking funding for a major new National Moth Recording Scheme in order to be able to target conservation and reverse the declines.
The report will be featured in BBC Radio Four's Nature series.
(SP/KMcA)
The falling moth population is causing concern for the future of many species of birds, bats and several small mammals that feed on the mainly night-flying relatives of butterflies.
Revealed in a new report entitled 'The State of Britain's Larger Moths,' the reasons for decline are uncertain, though habitat loss and climate change are implicated as being among the main causal factors.
Popular scientist Sir David Attenborough, in a foreword to the report, describes its conclusions as "significant and worrying".
Sir David, who recently fascinated the nation with his BBC series 'Life in the Undergrowth', says: "Moths are valuable indicators of what is happening in our countryside. Other insects too are almost certainly in decline."
The report's key conclusions are:
- The number of larger moths in Britain has decreased by 32 per cent since 1968;
- Southern Britain - south of York - has seen a decrease in larger moth numbers of 44 per cent since 1968;
- Twice as many moth species have declined as have increased;
- In southern Britain 75 per cent of species are in decline;
- Sixty-two moth species are believed to have become extinct in Britain during the twentieth century.
The report, funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, has been compiled by the UK charity Butterfly Conservation. It includes data collected by the scientific institute Rothamsted Research from a nationwide network of moth light-traps established in 1968.
The traps, run by volunteers, have been located in all sorts of habitats from the coast to upland moor, from woodland to private garden. Ian Woiwood, of Rothamsted Research, says: "This long-running data is unique and has highlighted a very serious ecological issue - the decline of common insects."
Butterfly Conservation is now seeking funding for a major new National Moth Recording Scheme in order to be able to target conservation and reverse the declines.
The report will be featured in BBC Radio Four's Nature series.
(SP/KMcA)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
