Butterflies in the species protection plan: trends in numbers
Fifteen of the species in the species protection plan for butterflies have been given priority status. Many of these are still declining.
Trends
The 1990 butterfly protection plan is intended to maintain and promote the recovery of endangered butterflies in the Netherlands. Although some of its measures have been implemented, including reintroductions and raising public awareness, many butterflies have continued to decline. The plan pays special attention to the 15 species given priority status (see table). On average this group has been declining since 1992 (see graph). Not one of the 15 species has increased in numbers since 1992 and most have declined. The pearly heath has even gone extinct in the Netherlands, and in recent years only the occasional vagrant Glanville fritillary has been sighted.
All 15 species are on the Red List of butterflies.
