Metropolitan Observatory butterflies (mBMS) has published its fourth final report and has been used in many of Barcelona’s metropolitan parks. seven species native to natural and mature environments, some in decline in Catalonia. It is the product of the efforts of a volunteer team of 67 people, who set out to explore the metropolitan parks and beaches every 15 days, for four years.
“These butterflies are their typical natural habitat, so there are very few individuals here, and it is these few specimens that require time and persistence to find them,” says CREAF director Joan Pino, professor of Ecology at UAB. and scientific co-director of mBMS. Therefore, the authors of the report state that: new ones are likely to be found in next years
The flowering meadows are working
The finding reinforces the Barcelona Metropolitan Region’s (AMB) strategy to support so-called flowering meadows, areas of vegetation that are subject to little mowing, are not irrigated, and are free of herbicides and phytosanitary products. “MBMS results show that parks flowering meadows keep butterfly populations at similar levels to naturalized herbaceous formations “It’s around the parks,” says Jordi Bordanove, AMB’s Park and Beach Management Services coordinator.
Metropolitan flower meadows provide food for adults in the form of nectar, as well as plants on which to lay eggs. To increase the chances of finding more species and specimens, the civic science project supported by the ECB in collaboration with other organizations announced: It’s expanding the places you can join in 2023 and metropolitan parks and beaches from 26 to 31, therefore urging the public to join the project. Expanding knowledge of these bioindicator insects.
seven unique species
Butterfly studies carried out by volunteers have made it possible to find several unique species. These, on the one hand, typical Mediterranean forests and naturalized riparian forestslike dawn (Anthocharis cardamines), Spanish flag (Anthocharis euphenoids), Mediterranean nymph (Limenitis reducta) and white with green veins (pyrex nappe) and on the other hand, natural grasslandLike the Iberian medioluto (melanargia laxiasis), medlar (Coenonympha pamphylus) and black evening (Coenonympha dorus). “This is an important finding because the last two species are stretching in Catalan territory,” says Joan Pino.
The report also includes the general results of the 2022 season. 8,437 butterflies related to 40 species It is different for parks and beaches studied. This corresponds to 20% of species found in Catalonia. However, the dominant species in metropolitan parks and beaches are those with caterpillars. They can feed on many types of plants. -a generalist species- and also with a great dispersal capacity, capable of living in natural and landscaped environments and transcending the urban fabric. These are essential features for living in the parks that surround the city.
“These data show that: The need to promote and maintain metropolitan green infrastructure Joan Marull, Director of IERMB’s Ecology and Regional Department, emphasizes “not only for the environmental goods and services they provide to citizens, but also for their contribution to biodiversity conservation and allowing the effects of global change to be monitored” and scientific co-director of mBMS.
A team of 67 volunteers
mBMS data was obtained by volunteers. metropolitan butterflies, eager to learn, participate and engage in knowledge, who continue to participate across different editions. Currently, a community has been consolidated, divided into thirty metropolitan parks and beaches and going out every 15 days to explore the park or beach assigned to them.
It is a task they value very much, not just because of its peculiarity. contribution to sciencebut also the positive benefits it brings to them personally. All these people follow international BMS methodology from English. Butterfly Tracing Chart (butterfly tracking protocol) is widely used in many countries. Volunteers participating in a special education learning to recognize butterflies and being able to track them every 15 days during the spring, summer and part of autumn.
This 2023 project has been expanded five new sites: Ermita Park (Castellbisbal), Nou Park (El Prat de Llobregat), Can Buxeres Park (Hospitalet de Llobregat), Sant Adrià Beach (Sant Adrià de Besòs) and La Solana Park (Sant Andreu de la boat). With this expansion, a total of 31 locations, including 26 parks and 5 beaches, have been reached.
These metropolitan areas often occupy an intermediate position between the urban fabric and large natural areas. Although largely unknown at the scientific level, they are home to a great deal of biodiversity and have great socio-environmental value. They can also play an important role in the ecological connection of the region and facilitate the entry of wild native fauna into cities.
Therefore, the project focuses on diurnal butterflies, which are very sensitive and provide a lot of information to assess and improve the biodiversity of different habitats, including metropolitan areas. To continue to increase knowledge about this biomarker insects, the project is a Appeal to volunteers who want to train and make a commitment to watch butterflies at the park or beach that is most comfortable for them.. To participate it is necessary to fill in the registration form on the project website: http://mbms.creaf.cat/.
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Contact details of the environment department: [email protected]