Butterfly Transects
What is a transect?
Butterfly transects are a way of monitoring trends in butterfly populations at a local (site), regional or national level. The method was devised in 1973 by the Centre of Ecology and Hydrology, and involves walking a fixed route across a site each week between April and September whilst counting the number of individuals of each butterfly species. CEH co-ordinate a network of chosen transects across the UK called the Butterfly Monitoring Scheme, whilst Butterfly Conservation co-ordinate all other "Independent" transects (which can be set up by anyone).
Why do a transect?
The information gained from transect monitoring is invaluable, especially if the same transect is walked for many years. When data are brought together from a large number of sites, regional and national indices can be generated. The key value of such annual monitoring is that it provides early warnings of species decline, at a time when conservation action can be most effective and before species are lost from whole sites and areas.
Transects not only provide accurate assessments of how each species is doing every year, but enable us to investigate many questions about butterfly ecology and how habitat management and the weather affect populations.
Transect Walker: Grace Martin - Greenhead Moss
Photograph by Julie Stoneman, Butterfly Conservation Scotland
How many there are in SW Scotland and Nationally?
| |
Independent (up to 2003) |
BMS (up to 2003) |
Additions in 2004 |
Total |
| All Scotland |
31 |
25 |
At least 11 |
67+ |
| SW Region |
12 |
7 |
At least 7 |
26+ |
|
What happens to the data?
Data from transects is inputted into free Transect Recorder software (you can download this free at from the main Butterfly Conservation website). For recorders without access to a computer, completed recording forms should be sent to Butterfly Conservation Scotland in Stirling directly for inputting.
Once the data are verified, they are sent to the main database at Butterfly Conservation's head quarters in Dorset to be collated with all independent transects in the UK. This is an invaluable source of information which can be used for a variety of purposes.
Data from BMS transects go to CEH at Monkswood. However, in the near future the two schemes will be merged - further details about this will be available later in 2005.
An example of recent importance of the data
Data from butterfly transects form a huge repository of information for all kinds of research. For example, butterfly transect data has been used to assess whether government grant-aided conservation management, undertaken through agri-environment schemes, are having a positive effect on butterfly populations. Initial results have shown that scheme management is improving conditions for short and medium turf butterfly species at the expense of non-target rank grass/scrub species and creating more favourable habitats for specialist grassland wildlife.
How do I setup a new transect?
To set up a new transect please contact Julie Stoneman at Butterfly Conservation Scotland who will send you the methodologies and recording forms you will need to start a new transect, and discuss any concerns you may have.
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