[LUM#6] On the Butterfly Trail

[LUM Magazine] - Published on October 10, 2017 in Science and Society

Endangered animal species aren’t limited to tigers and rhinos. Two student organizations have decided to come to the rescue of smaller wildlife: dubbed the “Butterfly Trail,” their initiative is brilliantly simple.

What if butterflies disappeared? In 2013, prompted by alarming reports (see box), the association Students for Sustainable Development (EDDA) discovered that these essential pollinators are seriously threatened by human activities. Climate change, pesticides, the conversion of meadows into farmland, an increase in wildfires, and tourism development could very well drive these delicate winged creatures from our landscapes.

Vulnerable Migrants

Some of them are migratory birds: coming from the distant coasts of Africa, they have always flown on the winds that carry them beyond the Strait of Gibraltar, all the way to northern Europe. But today, nearly insurmountable obstacles stand in their way: cities, highways, and parking lots fragment their populations, disrupt their habitats, and deprive them of certain vital plants.

How can we help butterflies? The idea is simple: create gardens in every city where they can find shelter and the plants they need to survive. To set up this network, called the “Butterfly Trail,” EDDA is partnering with the Jardin des Plantes in Montpellier and another organization: the Gnaum Naturalists¹. The result: the first garden was created in Montpellier in February 2014. Since then, three more have been established in the heart of the city. They feature butterflies’ favorite plants: lavender, thyme, thistle, mallow, and even stinging nettles.

Oasis Miniatures

“By planting these plants, which have become rare in the city, an entire network of life is recreated in a very short time: we’re seeing the return of migratory and local butterflies, as well as ants, aphids, ladybugs, bees…, ” says Aymeric Brissaud, president of Gnaum, with delight . “Many city dwellers are unaware of this, but cities can be rich in biodiversity just waiting to flourish. The ‘butterfly trail’ will benefit many endangered insects.”

Especially since the initiative is intended to be rolled out on a wider scale:“We have established a scientific protocol to monitor our approach. Our goal now is to expand it throughout Europe.” The latest development in the project is an initiative to encourage every city dweller to hang their own planter—made from recycled wooden pallets—on their balcony. While very beneficial to urban wildlife, this network of micro-gardens serves another purpose: raising public awareness. And it involves the public in an endeavor that will only achieve its goal if miniature oases spring up everywhere.

1. University of Montpellier Naturalist Group ↩︎

Keywords: Ecosystem, Environment, LUM#6, LUM Magazine, Company