Andorra Launches 21st Butterfly Monitoring Season Amid Rainfall Boost
Andorra's Andorran Butterfly Monitoring Scheme begins its 21st year with 10 fixed routes, as recent heavy rains raise hopes for recovering.
Key Points
- 21st season launched by Andorra Recerca + Innovació with 10 fixed routes across country.
- Heavy recent rainfall expected to improve lower-altitude butterfly populations hit by drought.
- Routes include Bordes d’Envalira, El Serrat, Vall del Madriu, and others, involving parks and volunteers.
- Since 2004, monitors diversity and trends using UK methodology to assess climate impacts.
Andorra has launched its 21st season of monitoring diurnal butterflies through the Andorran Butterfly Monitoring Scheme, with recent heavy rainfall raising hopes for stronger populations this year.
The project, run by Andorra Recerca + Innovació (AR+I), maintains a network of 10 fixed routes across the country. Some are managed directly by AR+I, while others involve partnerships with the nation's communal natural parks, the Vall del Madriu-Perafita-Claror, and independent volunteers. Active routes include Bordes d’Envalira, El Serrat, Enclar, Fontaneda, Parc Natural Comunal de les Valls del Comapedrosa, Parc Natural de la Vall de Sorteny, Pessons, Rec del Solà, Vall del Madriu, and Vall del Riu.
Experts anticipate improvements particularly in lower-altitude species, which suffered most during recent drought years. The plentiful rains over the past months are expected to boost numbers in these areas.
Started in 2004, the scheme tracks butterfly diversity and population trends as key bioindicators of environmental health. It follows a precise methodology developed in the UK and now used widely across Europe. Continuous monitoring helps assess how these insects respond to land-use changes and climate impacts.
Original Sources
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