Global butterfly populations are moving, driven by warming climate and land changes

An international team examined range-shift data for almost 2,000 butterfly species, identifying 6,182 movements in over 100 countries. The findings reveal that butterflies are relocating on every continent, with expansions prevalent in tropical areas and contractions more common in temperate regions like Europe and North America. Elevational migrations were largely observed in the Northern Hemisphere.

Climate change and extreme weather emerged as primary drivers, yet land-use change, urban growth and invasive species also shape outcomes, sometimes blocking climate-induced routes. The study incorporated non-English literature and expert assessments, yet noted severe data gaps in Central Africa, Southeast Asia, New Guinea and the Amazon. Authors stress the need for standardized, multilingual monitoring to inform conservation. The research was published in Nature Ecology & Evolution.