Butterflies as Indicator Species by Region

This section is intended to give people a reference of their own local indicator species. These might not be full guides, particularly as we are constantly learning new ways in which different species can indicate important information.

Europe

UK

• Biodiversity Indicators for the UK

England

• Burgess Park: Indicator Species species listed with their names and photos, as well as what they indicate.

Ways to Help Butterflies

North America

• Pollinator Conservation Resource Center "Region-specific resources to aid in the planning, establishment, restoration, and maintenance of pollinator habitat.
  
  Welcome to the Pollinator Conservation Resource Center! Here we offer region-specific collections of publications, native plant and seed suppliers, and other resources to aid in planning, establishing, restoring, and maintaining pollinator habitat—as well as materials to help you learn about the various invertebrates you might encounter.
  
  To view resources relevant to where you live and work, start by selecting your region from the map or the list."

• Regional Milkweed Guides "are a series of regional guides to the native milkweeds of North America."

USA

Massachusetts 

• Find A Butterfly "Search by common name in the box to the right or browse by family below."

Washington State

• The Native Pollinator Habitat Restoration Guide (PDF) "Best Management Practices for the Puget Sound lowlands"

Oceana

Australia

• Powerful Pollinators "is a program designed to increase the prevalence, health and diversity of pollinators in the landscape. The program encourages the strategic planting of ‘trees for bees’ and other pollinators and provides Powerful Pollinators Planting Guides developed by experienced botanists and field ecologists for use by landholders.
  
  The Guides specify relevant information about pollinator habitat and floral resources to enable users such as land managers, Landcare groups, nurseries and gardeners to select the most appropriate indigenous species that provide value for pollinators."

Tools & Apps

Africa

Namibia

• Atlas of Butterflies "This is one of the newest component of Atlasing in Namibia. To start with, we are recording adult butterflies only - not other life stages such as pupae or caterpillars - and not moths."

Resources

• Xerces: Pesticides  "The vast majority of invertebrates serve vitally important roles in a healthy environment, including controlling pests, pollinating flowering plants, and providing food for other wildlife. Only a very small number of invertebrates are pests. Yet, the pesticides designed to control unwanted plants and animals rarely distinguish between beneficial invertebrates and those which cause harm. All too often pesticides cause unintended consequences and disrupt the natural systems that sustain us. But, because pesticides are valued for their toxicity to pests, the risks they pose are often accepted⁠—even when healthier, more sustainable options are available.
  
  As part of the Xerces Society’s conservation efforts we strive to reduce reliance on pesticides by supporting the diverse systems that reduce pest problems. Xerces’ staff is sought after to translate complex science so that farmers, backyard gardeners, agency staff, and policy makers can make informed decisions about pesticide use and regulation. And by providing on-the-ground technical support we are increasing the adoption of ecologically sound pest management practices everywhere."

Oceana

Australia

• South Australian Butterflies & Moths: Food Plants

Organizations

International

• Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation "is an international nonprofit organization that protects the natural world through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitats. As a science-based organization, we both conduct our own research and rely upon the most up-to-date information to guide our conservation work. Our key program areas are: pollinator conservation, endangered species conservation, and reducing pesticide use and impacts."

Europe

UK

• Butterfly Conservation "Butterflies and moths are sensitive indicators of the health of our environment. Find out how you can help them."

North America

Canada

• Pollinator Partnership Canada " is a registered charity dedicated to the protection and promotion of pollinators and their ecosystems through conservation, education, and research."

USA

Missouri 

• Camp Monarch "is a newly founded nonprofit committed to addressing the loss of vital habitats for the Monarch Butterfly and many other species across North America.  Right now, we are a small but dedicated team of passionate individuals determined to take action for wildlife and biodiversity. Our work begins by laying the foundation for a network of habitat restoration projects, with a focus on empowering landowners to be part of the solution.
  
  As we get started, we’re recruiting founding members who share our vision of restoring fragmented ecosystems and reconnecting wildlife corridors. Our work may still be in its early stages, but we know that with the right people, every small step will lead to big impact."

Oceana

Australia

New Zealand

• Moths & Butterflies of New Zealand "Our mission is to engage with New Zealanders to ensure our biodiversity promotes a thriving moth and butterfly population. These are special initiatives we're working on. 

South America

Colombia

• Pro Aves "works to protect its 27 Nature Reserves, conserving more than 65,000 hectares of key ecosystems for Colombia’s biodiversity, including alpine tundra ecosystems such as the páramo and subpáramo, mountain forests, tropical rainforests, tropical dry forests, and mangrove swamps."

Maps

International

• Butterfly Conservation: Wild Spaces: Put Your Wild Space on the Map "Our interactive map shows the number and types of Wild Space near you. When you sign up in the UK, your Wild Space will also appear on the map so you can show everyone that you're taking action and encourage others to get involved too."

Europe

UK

• Butterfly Conservation: Wild Spaces: Put Your Wild Space on the Map "Our interactive map shows the number and types of Wild Space near you. When you sign up in the UK, your Wild Space will also appear on the map so you can show everyone that you're taking action and encourage others to get involved too."

• UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme: Species Results Click each species' name and click the "Abundance" tab to see their map.

North America

• Pollinator Conservation Resource Center (Interactive) "Region-specific resources to aid in the planning, establishment, restoration, and maintenance of pollinator habitat.
  
  Welcome to the Pollinator Conservation Resource Center! Here we offer region-specific collections of publications, native plant and seed suppliers, and other resources to aid in planning, establishing, restoring, and maintaining pollinator habitat—as well as materials to help you learn about the various invertebrates you might encounter.
  
  To view resources relevant to where you live and work, start by selecting your region from the map or the list."

Grants & Funding

North America

USA

Texas

• Monarch Garden Grants "The Native Plant Society of Texas awards small grants to nature centers, schools, educational groups and others to help fund development of Monarch demonstration gardens or Monarch Waystations using native plants on public sites in Texas. The purpose of this program is to educate members, applicants, and the public about Monarch conservation and native plants, and to encourage restoration of Monarch habitats throughout the Texas migration flyway."

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