Endangered butterflies and the loss of nature's palette

"Butterfly, butterfly—where did you get such a colorful wing?" This much-loved song by poet Kazi Nazrul Islam once brought joy to children who danced and sang along. While many might still remember the tune, it's increasingly rare for children today to see a butterfly up close, especially in urban areas. The absence of trees and flower gardens means there’s little chance for butterflies to thrive.

In the past, butterflies would flit into our homes, landing on our hands or heads. Many believed that having a butterfly settle on you was a sign of good luck. Such was the charm of these delicate creatures. Yet now, butterflies are on the verge of disappearance.

Why are butterflies disappearing? The extinction of butterflies is straightforward to understand. The primary reason is the loss of their natural habitats—areas with trees and flowers. Butterflies, unlike bees, are not focused on collecting honey but play a crucial role in pollination. Their presence is vital for the health of many plants. As butterflies vanish, so do the plants they help to pollinate, leading to a broader ecological imbalance. The reduction in vegetation disrupts the entire ecosystem, affecting all species.

Deforestation is the primary cause of the extinction in butterfly populations. The reduction in plant life, including the diminishing presence of flower gardens even in rural areas, has contributed significantly to their loss. Previously, flower gardens were common in homes, but today floriculture is largely dependent on agricultural projects. These projects extensively use chemical fertilizers, which are now prevalent in almost every agricultural field. The widespread use of these chemicals is detrimental to many insects, including butterflies. This poison is having a severe impact on nature and will likely have even more harmful effects in the future.

Butterflies symbolize the beauty of nature, and their vibrant colors have a profoundly positive effect on the human psyche. Environmentalist Dr. A. N. M. Aminur Rahman highlighted this in his book "Bangladesh’s Butterfly," noting, "Is there any other insect as beautiful as a butterfly in the world? Butterflies can exhibit every imaginable color. Harmless moths with their delicate wings are found around the globe. When they flutter by with their soft wings, how can one not admire their beauty?" Butterflies are not only symbols of joy, love, and transformation, but they also serve as indicators of the health of our environment.

According to sources, there are approximately 23,500 species of butterflies worldwide. Scientists estimate that Bangladesh may be home to between 500 and 550 species, though fewer than 400 have been officially identified.

In Bangladesh, there are three notable butterfly parks: one at Patenga in Chattogram, another in Bhawal National Park in Gazipur, and the Bangabandhu Safari Park, also in Gazipur. These parks attract many visitors who delight in observing butterflies. However, to better support butterfly populations, it's essential to facilitate their movement across the country. We urge the government to take necessary initiatives to preserve and protect butterfly species.