Butterfly Count Held In The Everglades As Researchers Observe Steep Decline In U.S. Butterfly Population

EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK, FLORIDA - MAY 10: A white peacock butterfly lands on a plant as people count them during the North American Butterfly Association Shark Valley butterfly count on May 10, 2025 in Everglades National Park, Florida. Dennis Olle, the president of the Miami Blue Butterfly chapter, who participated in the count said they saw approximately the same number as last year, a noticeable reduction from prior years. Reports indicate that the number of butterflies across all regions in the contiguous US was declining. The reports suggest that the butterfly populations are declining due to various factors, including habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and other environmental factors. (Footage by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)