Protection and Awareness of Butterflies in Urban Areas

Research conducted in 2010 on butterflies in Marseille’s urban parks revealed an unexpected richness of species (45 species), but also a decline in both species diversity and population size from the outskirts toward the city center. This research also demonstrated a loss of Mediterranean species along this gradient.

To monitor this urban biodiversity over the long term and understand its evolution, the Population, Environment, and Development Laboratory (LPED) launched a unique experimental research initiative in France in 2012: the Urban Butterfly Park (PUP). The goal is to create an attractive area and a haven of peace for butterflies in the heart of France’s second-largest city. It is this initiative that we wish to share.

Some initiatives: 

• training for City of Marseille staff
• presentation of the PUP initiative in several cities across France (Lille, Angers, etc.)
• educational workshop conducted with high school students
• As part of the Ecological Engineering course, students in the Ecogest and Solfondnat master’s programs have set up an experiment to monitor soil parameters with and without mulch.

Students at the Institut Agro Rennes Angers are planning to design a PUP on their campus!

Difficulty level: Easy