The effect of environmental factors on trends in the population of two butterflies – Tomares nesimachus and Cigaritis cilissa

In recent years we have observed a sharp declining trend in the abundance of the threatened butterflies Tomares nesimachus and Cigaritis cilissa in several areas in Israel. This study examines this trend in the entire Tomares nesimachus population between 2004-2022, and in the populations of Cigaritis cilissa in the Sharon area between 2006-2021, as well as examining the effect of several environmental factors, such as climate conditions, type of habitat, construction and development on the abundance of those species of butterfly. The research is based on data from surveys undertaken in the flight season of mature individuals of both species, conducted over several years, most of them thanks to civilian science endeavors, with the participation of Israel Lepidopterists' Society (ILS). The research was conducted under the guidance of Professor Tamar Dayan and Dr. Orr Comay.