How are butterflies faring in Luxembourg?

New findings on the richness, conservation status and spatial distribution of butterflies in Luxembourg have been published in a comprehensive Atlas. Based on more than 150,000 records over the past two centuries, the book, edited by LIST scientists, highlights concerning trends for numerous butterfly species and the need to pursue conservation efforts.

As presented in 2023 by the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity (MECB), 68% of the country’s habitats are in an unfavourable state of conservation. More than ever, measures to protect nature are thus needed, and this is why the Ministry launched its third National Nature Protection Plan (PNPN3) the same year, setting precise targets for 2030.

In this context, butterflies are precious indicators of the state of various habitats and their biodiversity. These insects are indeed particularly sensitive to climate conditions, habitat degradation, or any other form of pollution. “As such, the Atlas is not only of high relevance for the preservation of butterflies in Luxembourg but also constitutes a valuable resource for all the players taking action to preserve the functioning of ecosystems,” said Nicolas Titeux, Head of LIST Observatory for Climate, Environment, and Biodiversity and one of the editors of the Atlas.

24 butterfly species threatened with extinction

The authors have gone back in time to 1850 to trace the trend of butterfly species in terms of richness, spatial distribution and conservation status. While many records were available thanks to the Musée National d’Histoire Naturelle Luxembourg (MNHNL) archives and other databases, the last assessment of the conservation status of these populations dated back to 2000 and was not conducted according to the current international standards.

“More than 95 species have been breeding in Luxembourg, out of which 91 have been assessed: a quarter are threatened,” stated Xavier Mestdagh, another editor. Indeed, the IUCN Red List assessment conducted by our team enabled to identify 24 species threatened with extinction, among which six are critically endangered. Additionally, they showed seven near-threatened species and 15 species that have gone regionally extinct between 1854 and 2003.

Beyond this conservation status assessment, the Atlas also provides unprecedented information and management guidelines for each butterfly species of Luxembourg, making it of high interest to conservationists, researchers, policymakers and volunteer citizens.

Minette: one of Europe's Prime Butterfly Areas

The southwest region of Luxembourg is a remarkable area for biodiversity, particularly in terms of butterflies. Its rich habitat diversity, including meadows, forests, and grasslands, creates a suitable environment for various butterfly species. The region's significance is highlighted by the presence of numerous threatened species, making it a key area for conservation efforts in Europe.

“Efforts to preserve these habitats and monitor butterfly populations are crucial in maintaining this rich biodiversity. The region serves as an important example of how local conservation can contribute to broader environmental goals, including protecting species at risk and supporting overall ecological health,” added Lionel L’Hoste, the third editor of the atlas.

Luxembourg Butterfly Monitoring Scheme: a strong and growing community

Co-financed by the MECB, LIST, and MNHNL, this book gathers the efforts of more than 250 professionals and volunteers to document the state of butterflies in Luxembourg. As coordinators of this national initiative since the implementation of the Luxembourg Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (LUBMS) in 2010, LIST scientists intend to not only monitor the conservation status of butterflies in Luxembourg but also to create a strong and lasting butterfly community composed of both professionals and volunteer citizens, who they offer training to.