One of the most harmful effects of global warming is climate change. And the latter has a severe impact on many rare species of plants, animals, and insects.
According to a research in the UK, the rare butterfly species in the European mountains are at the brink of extinction. The reason is as stated above, climate change.
The current habitats of some unique butterfly species like the mountain ringlet, dewy ringlet, and bright-eyed ringlet, are facing an increase in the heat.
The rare butterfly species at the brink of extinction
Due to this, they are a subject to assisted colonization. So they might relocate to higher altitudes like Scotland. The mountain ringlets in the Lake District of UK are one of the most unique and diverse species of the butterflies in Europe.
The Lake District shall not be a suitable place to dwell and the temperature is 2-3 degree Celsius more than the optimal level due to the severe effect of global warming.
The species have already moved a few hundred meters uphill in Britain over the past five-six decades. Many academics and researchers have warned that the species would soon “run out of mountain”. This shall happen if there are no cooler places left. In other words, if this continues, we will not see any more beautiful and rare butterflies anymore.
The species may migrate uphill towards Scotland
University of York academicians have researched the past, current, and potential future distributions of unique genetic diversity in a cold‐adapted mountain butterfly. They have concluded that the butterfly species may have migrated towards higher altitudes of Scotland, the Alps, or Scandinavia.
The study stated the following:
“Assisted colonisations of individuals from at‐risk populations into climatically suitable unoccupied habitat might help conserve unique genetic diversity. And translocations into remaining populations might increase their genetic diversity. Hence their ability to adapt to future climate change.”
Plus, a climate change specialist, Mike Morecroft said that climate change is one of the most serious challenges. He added that good science is essential to create an efficient response.
“Cold-loving species in the uplands, such as the mountain ringlet, are amongst the most vulnerable species to rising temperatures in England. This study provides a unique insight into the importance of local genetic diversity, which will help us to assess the best options to protect these species going forward.”
Komodo dragon: Another victim of climate change
The Komodo dragon is the world’s largest lizard. Not only the butterflies, but the Komodo dragon is also one of the victims of possible extinction. In fact, if we do not take immediate measures, they will definitely be pushed towards extinction.
Studies by University of Adelaide and Deakin University have proven that the Komodo dragons already live in a threatening environment. The researchers have warned that they better be put in a safe habitat. If not we shall not see them any more in a few decades.
