Imagine being in a sunny garden, the air filled with the soft flutter of wings, each a different species of butterfly. This is what volunteers at Brisbane’s Big Butterfly Count experience, where citizens are able to see what it is like as a scientist to document the gentle beauty of butterflies. By carefully tracking each butterfly’s presence and living patterns, butterfly counts provide a window into the health of our environment, allowing us to foresee and reveal shifts in biodiversity and ecological balances. This blend of scientific research and natural beauty allows every butterfly to be turned into data, giving way to the connections between them and the ecosystems they inhabit.

Brisbane’s Big Butterfly Count started in the butterfly season of 2020–2021, created from an initiative by the Brisbane Catchments Network. The project aims to engage residents of Brisbane of all ages and education levels to experience and contribute to a greater project of understanding our ecosystems, with around 160 different butterfly species being recorded. This annual event not only enhances the understanding of local butterfly populations but also exhibits the power of citizen scientists in an urban setting.

But why do we count butterflies?

Butterflies play a vital role in the ecosystem as pollinators and, being a component of the food chain, allows them to be indicators of environmental change. Their sensitivity to changes and quick reactions in their habitats makes them valuable for monitoring shifts in ecological conditions.

Butterflies face many challenges that threaten their survival. They experience a loss of habitat, which can be linked to urban development, agricultural trends and deforestation. These activities reduce the areas butterflies use for feeding, breeding and sheltering. Climate change worsens these issues by altering weather patterns, disrupting the lifecycle of butterflies, such as times of eclosing, and the availability of food sources. Additionally, the use of pesticides and herbicides in crop growing poses a threat to butterflies as they can potentially kill them and harm the plants they collect pollen and nectar from. Invasive species can disrupt the lives of butterflies by outcompeting with them to plants, and could possibly prey on butterflies and their larvae.

By taking part in butterfly counts, community members provide data that will be able to help scientists and researchers track changes in the environment, allowing them to make informed decisions about conservational strategies.

However, not only do butterfly counts help the environment, research shows that they also calm humans. They give individuals a sense of connection to nature, and evidence shows that an increase in this connection leads to an increase in human wellbeing and pro-environmental behaviours. A study was conducted by researcher Carly Butler on emotions participants felt during a butterfly count, and it was shown that the more emotions felt, the more engagement with nature.

What does Brisbane’s Big Butterfly Count do?

Brisbane’s Big Butterfly Count provides many opportunities for researchers and butterfly enthusiasts to engage with butterflies and the ecosystems they inhabit.

Surveys are conducted at a variety of locations in Brisbane, representing different butterfly habitats. The data is collected three times during the butterfly season. Citizens use the BioCollect app or paper flyers featuring over 30 common local butterflies, allowing easy accessibility for people who may not be used to research. The data is entered into the Atlas of Living Australia to keep track of the butterflies found.

There are many workshops for those wanting to learn more about butterflies, such as identifying butterflies and the areas they inhabit. Ecology walks are also provided to explore the relationship between butterflies and their habitats. Educators and butterfly enthusiasts are given resources to spread their teachings to other people. Additionally, targeted butterfly plantings for butterfly rehabilitators and gardeners promote teachings on larval host plants. There are many public events highlighting the environmental value of looking after butterflies.

Overall, Brisbane’s Big Butterfly Count is a great way for citizen scientists to observe the environment around them, while enjoying the butterflies. It not only fosters a deeper connection with the surroundings but also provides data for understanding and preserving biodiversity. These counts offer a window into the health of the environment, revealing insights on the impact humans have on the natural world.