The Butterfly Effect
Posted by Daniel Feuer on
Everyone knows that butterflies are beautiful; but did you know that these fluttering insects are an important part of our ecosystem are a population under threat? According to the National Wildlife Federation, the population of monarch butterflies has declined by about 90 percent over the past 20 years. Fortunately, there are steps we can take to help the butterfly population.
Aside from their good looks, butterflies are an indicator of biodiversity. By pollinating flowering plants, butterflies, bees and similarly functioning insects are responsible for bringing us one out of every three bites of food. Without them, can’t enjoy things like coffee, chocolate, and apples. An important part of the food chain, they are a natural form of pest control, as well as being prey for birds, bats, and other insectivores.
Many species of butterfly are in decline, and one of the main reasons is habitat loss. Much of the loss is due in-part to deforestation, development and urbanization. Climate change also threatens butterfly populations, with excessive rain and temperature shifts killing hundreds of millions of butterflies worldwide.
The good news is that there are steps we can take to help our colourful winged friends. Whether you live in a rural, suburban, or urban home, consider constructing your own pollinator garden. Be sure to use plants that are native to your region; native butterflies are more likely to be attracted to a garden filled with familiar native plants, and certain non-native plants can actually pose a threat to butterflies.
Here at pranga & co., a portion of the sales from our ankers are used to fund an eco-friendly program that preserves the ecosystem and natural habitat of butterflies in Colombia, which is home to around 1,600 species of butterfly! Once the butterfly lives a full life in the Amazon and expires naturally, we preserve their beauty by using the wings in our Shawl Dance anker.
Aside from their good looks, butterflies are an indicator of biodiversity. By pollinating flowering plants, butterflies, bees and similarly functioning insects are responsible for bringing us one out of every three bites of food. Without them, can’t enjoy things like coffee, chocolate, and apples. An important part of the food chain, they are a natural form of pest control, as well as being prey for birds, bats, and other insectivores. Many species of butterfly are in decline, and one of the main reasons is habitat loss. Much of the loss is due in-part to deforestation, development and urbanization. Climate change also threatens butterfly populations, with excessive rain and temperature shifts killing hundreds of millions of butterflies worldwide.
The good news is that there are steps we can take to help our colourful winged friends. Whether you live in a rural, suburban, or urban home, consider constructing your own pollinator garden. Be sure to use plants that are native to your region; native butterflies are more likely to be attracted to a garden filled with familiar native plants, and certain non-native plants can actually pose a threat to butterflies. Here at pranga & co., a portion of the sales from our ankers are used to fund an eco-friendly program that preserves the ecosystem and natural habitat of butterflies in Colombia, which is home to around 1,600 species of butterfly! Once the butterfly lives a full life in the Amazon and expires naturally, we preserve their beauty by using the wings in our Shawl Dance anker.