ARCTIC TO MEDITERRANEAN:
MONITORING BUTTERFLIES USING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

The International School of Amsterdam is one of several European schools monitoring butterflies and sharing this information via the Internet. (Click here for a map of the participaing schools . The project has been running for 2 years and my Grade 5 classes have been recording butterfly numbers around the school grounds since spring of this year. At present schools are participating from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Britain, the Netherlands and Spain, while in previous years schools from Germany and France also sent in data. Twelve butterflies with a wide European distribution are monitored using the Pollard method, along with information about weather conditions and vegetation. (See Butterfly "Sight" A European Butterfly Study to read more about this award-winning project.)

In October 1999 all the teachers involved in this project met up in Barcelona for a workshop at the Escola de Natura in Can Miravitges. New  (See photographs of visit to Barcelona.) We found that the Earth's temperature has been increasing during this century and this has been reflected in changes in the biological cycle of butterflies, as temperature plays a great role in the four stages of the butterfly life cycle. As average European temperatures increase, more butterflies are being found at higher latitudes.

Generally the number of butterflies in Europe has been dwindling. This can be attributed to changes in agriculture, in particular the use of chemical pesticides, and the loss of habitat. New  (See report of habitat protection project from Mexico and declining populations in California 12/99.) Recent laboratory studies have also shown the sensitivity of butterflies to pollen from genetically modified crops such as maize. (See Monarchs Under Siege : New Scientist (UK) article on dangers to Monarch Butterflies from genetically enhanced crops 5/99)

During the work sessions of the Arctic to Mediterranean project a number of proposals were received to enlarge the scope of the investigation to include a more in-depth study of the climate changes, the annual cycle of wild plants, and bird species in the neighbourhoods where we are monitoring butterflies. We are all hoping to meet up again in Norway next year for another working session.

Following their field studies, the grade 5 students began their research project on butterflies using print and online sources. Above you will find links to these research projects.

OTHER INTERENT RESOURCES ON BUTTERFLIES