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Butterfly Emergency declared after latest count
The gatekeeper butterfly was the most common, but still saw an 18 per cent decrease in numbers.
Big Butterfly Count 2024 revealed lowest numbers on record.

Butterfly Conservation has called on the UK government to declare a ‘Nature Emergency’, after this year’s count recorded the lowest butterfly numbers in its history.

After this year’s Big Butterfly Count, more than 9,000 responses recorded that they had not seen a single butterfly – the highest number in the Count’s 14-year history.

The Big Butterfly Count 2024 took place from 12 July-4 August, with over 85,000 citizen scientists taking part. Participants were encouraged to spend 15 minutes counting butterflies in gardens, parks or the countryside.

Just over 935,000 butterflies and day-flying moths were recorded across the UK, down almost 600,000 from the total in 2023.

On average, participants spotted just seven butterflies per 15-minute count, a 50 per cent reduction on last year.

The most common butterfly was the gatekeeper butterfly, which was recorded 190,413 times but still saw an 18 per cent decrease. Eighty-one per cent of species saw a decline in comparison to 2023.

It was the worst summer in Big Butterfly Count history for a third of butterfly species, including the common blue, green-veined white, painted lady and Scotch argus.

These statistics have alarmed scientists, prompting the charity to declare a nationwide ‘Butterfly Emergency’.

The charity has now written an open letter to the secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs, Steve Reed, calling on the government to declare a ‘Nature Emergency’. It wants an outright ban on neonicotinoid pesticides, which can be fatal to butterflies.

When used on farmland, the pesticides can reach wild flowers growing at field edges. This can lead to butterflies, moths and caterpillars ingesting contaminated materials.

Richard Fox, head of science at Butterfly Conservation, said: “Butterflies are a key indicator species; when they are in trouble we know that the wider environment is in trouble too. Nature is sounding the alarm call.

“We must act now if we are to turn the tide on these rapid declines and protect species for future generations.”

To sign Butterfly Conservation’s open letter to the UK government, visit their website. Signing closes on 13 October 2024.

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.