Student Research Reports
“Restoration project: How the creation of biological corridors could affect the presence of butterflies and environmental variables”
Organization(s):St. Luke's College-Haras Santa María
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.