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It was found that the Common Blue butterfly(Polyommatus icarus) has declined significantly. Common Blue butterfly via Shutterstock

Population of butterflies has halved since 1990

Researchers say this a worrying trend as these butterflies are useful indicators of the general health of ecosystems.

GRASSLAND BUTTERFLIES HAVE declined dramatically in the last two decades.

The blame has been put on intensifying agriculture and a failure to properly manage grassland ecosystems, according to a report from the European Environment Agency (EEA).

Researchers say this a worrying trend as these butterflies are useful indicators of biodiversity and the general health of ecosystems.

Seventeen butterfly species were examined in ‘The European Grassland Butterfly Indicator: 1990–2011’, and it was revealed that eight have declined in Europe, two remain stable and one increased. For six species the trend is uncertain.

“This dramatic decline in grassland butterflies should ring alarm bells – in general Europe’s grassland habitats are shrinking. If we fail to maintain these habitats we could lose many of these species forever. We must recognise the importance of butterflies and other insects – the pollination they carry out is essential for both natural ecosystems and agriculture,” said Hans Bruyninckx, EEA Executive Director.

Read: Fukushima caused mutant butterflies: scientists>

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    Mute Michael Farrell
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    Aug 21st 2013, 10:25 PM

    Why are Michaella and Melissa wearing each others clothes?

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    Mute Jamie McCormack
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    Aug 21st 2013, 11:37 PM

    Probably either that or prison-garb.. looks pretty grim for the two of them

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    Mute Nicola Kean
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    Aug 22nd 2013, 12:26 AM

    They clearly still have their heads in the clouds and don’t realise the gravity of the situation. I’d understand if they were changing into clean clothes, but it seems as if they just don’t want time be seen in the same outfit twice. Silly, silly, silly girls!!!

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    Mute Dixie1002
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    Aug 22nd 2013, 4:30 AM

    Such a silly comment Nicola. Because of the clothes they wear they have their heads stuck in the clouds and don’t realise the gravity of the situation?? I for one would hazard a guess they have a fair idea of the mess they are in.

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    Mute Reg
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    Aug 22nd 2013, 9:13 AM

    These girls passed through at least three airports on the way to Peru but said nothing to anyone.

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    Mute aaron mohan
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    Aug 21st 2013, 11:25 PM

    There holiday is well over now

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    Mute Charlotte Mann
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    Aug 21st 2013, 10:28 PM

    Got sick of wearing their own clothes for the past two weeks?

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    Mute Colin Foley
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    Aug 22nd 2013, 2:43 AM

    Keep in mind folk all this bullshite is in the main story in media night, noon and day to keep you distracted from things that affect YOUR life. Water meters, bank charges, data transference act, Serco buying out all traffic lights and wanting to privatize more roads for tolls etc etc.

    The illusion of the media is to make you look exactly where you are suppose to look, exactly like a magician.

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    Mute Stephen Doyle
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    Aug 22nd 2013, 12:41 AM

    Does the bun have its own twitter account like Dáithí Ó Sé’s “beard”?

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    Mute Tiger Bay
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    Aug 21st 2013, 10:50 PM

    Audrey Hepburn just called – she’s looking her bun hairstyle back

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    Mute Stephen Mc Donagh
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    Aug 22nd 2013, 8:34 AM

    Is there anything to be said for another mass?

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