Unrecorded Butterfly Species and Potential Local Extinctions: The Role of Citizen Science and Sampling.

ABSTRACT: Estimating species extinction risk is crucial to reverse biodiversity loss and to adopt proper conservation measures. Different sources may play a pivotal role in prioritising species conservation. Recently, citizen science demonstrated a substantial role, especially when it comes to butterflies. This study examines species records and richness in Aosta Valley, which represents one of the highest mountain areas in Europe. Through 30,351 data points from 1825 to 2022, the impact and efficiency of three groups of data sources were investigated: literature (i.e., publications and collections), sampling (butterfly experts' recording), and citizen science (open-source databases). The study also aims to assess the extinction potential of the butterflies in relation to functional traits. The resu

SUBMITTER: Alberti S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11832908 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature