Aesthetic value
nature's flying jewels
Butterflies are well-known for their beauty and unique features. They are often portrayed as the essence of nature or as representing freedom, beauty or peace.
Educational value
a miraculous transformation
Butterflies and moths have fascinating life-cycles that are used in many countries to teach children about the natural world. The transformation from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis is one of the many wonders of nature. It is easy to study their life cycles and it is able to intrigue many young children.
Scientific value
a model organism
Butterflies (and moths to a lesser extent) are an extremely important group of ‘model’ organisms used, for centuries, to investigate many areas of biological research, including such diverse fields as navigation, pest control, embryology, mimicry, evolution, genetics, population dynamics and biodiversity conservation. The long history and popularity of butterfly study has proved extremely important for scientific research on climate change. Butterflies have been widely used by ecologists as model organisms to study the impact of habitat loss and fragmentation, and climate change.
Ecosystem value
a world teeming with life
Butterflies and moths are indicators of a healthy environment and healthy ecosystems. They indicate a wide range of other invertebrates. Moths and butterflies are an important element of the food chain and are prey for birds, bats and other insectivorous animals.
How do butterflies affect the natural heritage?
Butterflies are of significant value to our natural heritage in the fields of science, education, ecosystem and aesthetic. They have been proven time and time again to play a vital role in the conservation of our ecosystem. From supporting a wide range of organisms to notably contributing to the field of science, the gravity of their existence has yet to cease. The efforts to conserve these flying jewels has to be sustained in order to protect our natural heritage. Otherwise, there will be barely much of a natural heritage to preserve. Hence, it is important to influence others to appreciate these magnificent winged creatures so that more will be done to conserve them. Besides that, not only are they of significant ecological importance, but they represent beauty, diversity and the power of change. Through metamorphosis and transformation, they represent the ability for people to change for the better and deepen their appreciation for butterflies. By opening others to change, we can make the world a more beautiful and vibrant place to live in.