Islanders asked to take part in butterfly count

Angela Salmon wants people to download the big butterfly count app

Guernsey residents are being encouraged to take a part in a citizen science project looking at the butterfly population.

Guernsey Nature Commission (GNC) is asking people to participate in the Big Butterfly Count, before it concludes on Sunday.

By recording sightings via the Big Butterfly Count app, islanders can contribute to tracking their movements and understanding the impact of climate change on their populations.

Angela Salmon, head of operations and education for the GNC said: "Butterflies are an indicator species so if butterflies are in trouble, it shows that other things in the Guernsey ecosystem could be in danger.

The study into butterflies could provide a valuable insight into the state of nature in Guernsey

"The more people who do the survey, the better as we can collect the data and find out more."

This project is part of a broader effort to gather data on butterfly populations worldwide.

Butterflies serve as vital indicators of environmental health, and the collected data will help identify trends and changes.

Angela Salmon says at the moment, the Gatekeeper butterfly is the most recorded in Guernsey.

The Nature Commission highlighted how local participation in the count is essential for providing accurate insights into the state of Guernsey’s biodiversity.

This information will aid in assessing the broader implications of climate change on the environment.