Butterfly sightings nearly double in Dutch gardens, but long-term decline persists
The annual garden butterfly count conducted by the Dutch Butterfly Foundation (Vlinderstichting) shows a significant increase in butterfly sightings this year, but experts warn that serious concerns remain, RTL reports.
Between July 11 and 13, over 15,000 garden and balcony observations were submitted online. On average, participants reported 9.8 butterflies per count—almost double the average of recent years, which hovered around five. However, this figure remains well below the early years of the survey, when the average was 16 butterflies per count, peaking at 28 in 2013.
Kars Veling, spokesperson for Vlinderstichting, told RTL, “It’s better with butterflies than in the past seven years, but we are far from where we need to be.” He added, “Our goal remains to reach the old average of 16.”
The atalanta butterfly (Vanessa atalanta) topped the 2025 list as the most frequently spotted species, followed by the small white (klein koolwitje) and the peacock butterfly (dagpauwoog) in second and third place, respectively.
The count results, limited to three days and influenced by weather and timing, were compared with data from the Meetnet Vlinders monitoring network in natural areas. This comparison confirmed that butterfly populations in the Netherlands have improved this year.
Despite these gains, Veling highlighted ongoing challenges: “Compared to thirty years ago, we are still below half the number of butterflies observed then.” Some species continue to suffer sharp declines. The small tortoiseshell butterfly (kleine vos), previously the most common species in garden counts, dropped to eighth place nationally.
In provinces such as Gelderland, Overijssel, and Noord-Brabant, the small tortoiseshell no longer ranks in the top ten. Veling attributed this decline to drought vulnerability: “On sandy soils in those provinces, it has taken a huge hit.”
An encouraging development came from the map butterfly (landkaartje), usually found in moist grasslands near forests and hedgerows. This year, it was frequently seen in gardens, placing it 14th nationwide. “That indicates a good year for this species,” Veling told RTL.
Additionally, rare species such as the shepherd’s cress white (scheefbloemwitje), which has only been present in the Netherlands for about a decade, showed clear population increases.
Experts credit last year’s wet conditions for supporting these improvements. However, Veling emphasized that “structural problems remain.” He identified drought, nitrogen pollution, intensive agriculture, insecticides, and habitat fragmentation as ongoing threats to butterfly populations.
To combat these challenges, Veling urged action at both policy and individual levels. “These problems must be addressed to improve butterfly numbers,” he told RTL. “But people can also help on a small scale by planting native, flowering plants in their gardens and balconies, avoiding pesticide-treated plants, and choosing organically grown options whenever possible.”
