Where Have All The Butterflies Gone?
16:04 minutes
A sweeping new study on one of the most beloved insects, maybe the only truly beloved insect—the butterfly—details its rapid population decline in the United States. The new research, published in the journal Science widens the butterfly net and looks at how more than 500 species have fared over the past 20 years.
Researchers found that many populations are taking a nosedive. What’s causing the downswing, and is there anything we can do?
Host Flora Lichtman talks with two of the study authors, Dr. Elise Zipkin, Red Cedar distinguished professor of quantitative ecology and director of the ecology, evolution and behavior program at Michigan State University; and Dr. Nick Haddad, professor of integrative biology also at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan.
Further Reading
- Read about monarch butterfly population decline via The Xerxes Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
- Learn more about butterfly conservation via University of Minnesota.
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Segment Guests
Elise Zipkin
Dr. Elise Zipkin is the Red Cedar Distinguished Professor of Quantitative Ecology and director of the Ecology, Evolution and Behavior Program at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan.
Nick Haddad
Dr. Nick Haddad is a professor of Integrative Biology at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan.
Segment Transcript
The transcript of this segment is being processed. It will be available early next week.
Meet the Producers and Host
About Shoshannah Buxbaum
Shoshannah Buxbaum is a producer for Science Friday. She’s particularly drawn to stories about health, psychology, and the environment. She’s a proud New Jersey native and will happily share her opinions on why the state is deserving of a little more love.
About Flora Lichtman
Flora Lichtman is a host of Science Friday. In a previous life, she lived on a research ship where apertivi were served on the top deck, hoisted there via pulley by the ship’s chef.