Ireland stamps year 1985 Butterflies set

Ireland stamps year 1985 Butterflies set

Ireland is home to a diverse range of butterfly species, with 28 resident species and several migratory visitors. However, recent reports indicate significant declines in butterfly populations, raising concerns about biodiversity and habitat conservation.

Butterfly Species

Butterflies in Ireland can be categorized into several groups:

• Multi-coloured Butterflies:
  • Peacock
  • Small Tortoiseshell
  • Painted Lady
  • Red Admiral
  • Silver-washed Fritillary
• Small Butterflies:
  • Holly Blue
  • Common Blue
  • Small Copper
  • Dingy Skipper
• Brown Butterflies:
  • Speckled Wood
  • Meadow Brown
  • Ringlet
• White/Yellow Butterflies:
  • Green-veined White
  • Large White
  • Orange Tip

These species are distributed across various habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and coastal areas.

Population Trends and Conservation Challenges

The 2024 Irish Butterfly Monitoring Scheme report highlights alarming trends in butterfly populations from 2008 to 2023:

• Population Declines:
  • The Common Blue, Wood White, and Speckled Wood experienced a population decline of approximately 60%.
  • The Green-veined White saw an 82% decline.
• Stable Species: Only two species are considered stable, while seven are rated as uncertain. Notably, the migrant Red Admiral is the only species that showed an increase during this period.

The decline in butterfly populations is attributed to several factors:

• Habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and urban development.
• Climate change affecting weather patterns and habitat suitability.
• Pollution from agricultural practices, particularly related to the use of nitrates and pesticides