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“Restoration project: How the creation of biological corridors could affect the presence of butterflies and environmental variables”

Country:Argentina
Student(s):Agustina Andreola , Camila Aquilini , Sofía Arenaza , Santiago Herdegen and Avril Vergara
Grade Level:Secondary School (grades 9-12, ages 14-18)
GLOBE Educator(s):María Marta Gutiérrez
Contributors:Mia Turale Pilar Bartrons
Report Type(s):International Virtual Science Symposium Report
Protocols:Air Temperature, Clouds, Surface Temperature, Biometry (including Tree Height), Land Cover Classification
Presentation Video: View Video
Language(s):English
Date Submitted:03/04/2024
The original aim of this study was to understand the relationship between some environmental variables and the presence of butterflies in our school grounds. Observations started in September 2022 and three months later a biological corridor was created by using the "stop mowing" method in the border of the athletics field. In March 2023, the aim was expanded into how the creation of biological corridors could affect the presence of butterflies and some environmental variables. The area was divided in quadrants (1m x 1m) in order to follow changes in land cover and richness of species. A database was created and all observations and measurements were included there. Environmental variables (clouds, land cover, air and surface temperature) were measured following GLOBE’S protocols in the biological corridor and compared with those in a “mowed“ area called “Control”. Butterflies were monitored and sightings were recorded. In June 2023 we decided it would be beneficial to share the investigation through social media, and so the findings were documented through an account on the platform Instagram. The posts consisted of pictures of butterfly sightings, pictures of the changes in the biological corridor, and other details about the investigation. All posts were kept light-hearted and not extremely scientific as a way to engage people and educate more on the importance of grassland restoration and preservation. You can find this account by searching for The Butterfly Project HSM or clicking here. In October 2023 the biological corridor was properly signalized for environmental education purposes. In December 2023 results were analysed: 42 plant species were registered, 26 of them native. 100 butterfly sightings were recorded, through which 11 species have been identified. Air temperature and surface temperature were always different in the biological corridor and the control. Surface temperature was found to have more visible differences between the biological corridor and the control. The increasing butterfly frequency was related to the increase in plant richness. However, this was not the only factor that affected the presence of butterflies. It was also found that the air and surface temperature were closely related to the amount of sightings. Higher temperatures led to more sightings of butterflies. As a conclusion, biological corridors could be a viable solution to tackle some climate change effects, with low cost and overwhelming benefits. KEYWORDS: Restoration. Biological corridor. Biodiversity. Butterflies. Environmental variables. Climate change.



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