Butterflies are key indicators of ecosystem health. As climate changes, butterfly populations are facing global declines and are now on the endangered species list. To help aid in the documentation of this decline and study the patterns, The Dawes Arboretum monitors butterfly populations in key habitats on a regular basis and contributes data to studies that have been used worldwide.
During 2023, The Arboretum reared, tagged and released 75 monarch butterflies. This accomplishment was able to be performed due to dedicated staff and volunteers that are working to help with the care of these endangered species. Given the sensitivity that butterflies face to changes in their habitat, they are then disproportionately affected by climate extremes. It is important work to continue to monitor these tagged butterflies due to the overall effects that will occur because of the loss of these species. Without butterflies and other key insects, the majority of plants would not be pollinated, would not produce fruit and would not survive for future generations.
Currently, our butterfly monitoring program is administered in conjunction with the Ohio Lepidopterists at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. By sharing data across institutions, we can see the bigger picture. The research conducted at The Arboretum was included in a recent study that revealed the decline of butterflies not only in Ohio, but on a global scale. With this, we can create connections and further educate the public about the tragedy of these population declines.
If you would like more information on how to get involved in the butterfly monitoring process, please visit: https://dawesarb.org/volunteer/ or by emailing volunteers@dawesarb.org.