Grassland butterflies plummet across Europe

Europe is facing huge losses in biodiversity as its grassland butterflies have declined by over 70% in the last 20 years. Data collected by professionals and volunteers on more than 3000 sites in 15 countries show, that the populations of 17 butterfly species specialized to grassland habitat suffer from severe declines.

Christmas Beetles Disappearing in Australia

… kids growing up in the city today may never know the sound of christmas beetles beating against the screen door in the run up to the festive season – and scientists believe it is man who is to blame.

In and around Sydney, the beetles’ numbers are falling as the city’s expansion demolishes their feeding grounds.

Mistletoe in England Likely to Vanish

Conservationists warn today that mistletoe, favourite plant both of pagans and stealers ofChristmas kisses, could vanish from the nation’s halls and doorways within 20 years.

The National Trust fears that the decline of traditional apple orchards, where mistletoe thrives, may lead to the parasitic plant disappearing – or becoming much harder to obtain.

Three articles collected by Earthwatch reminding us of the effects of human habitation on the home.

Grassland butterflies plummet across Europe

Europe is facing huge losses in biodiversity as its grassland butterflies have declined by over 70% in the last 20 years. Data collected by professionals and volunteers on more than 3000 sites in 15 countries show, that the populations of 17 butterfly species specialized to grassland habitat suffer from severe declines.