As many butterfly species as exist in the UK as a whole have been recorded in the city of Ioannina, highlighting the region’s unique biodiversity.
This conclusion results from research done by Nikos Filippidis as part of his diploma, prepared at the Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory (BCL) at the BET Department of the University of Ioannina, under the supervision of Professor Vasiliki Kati and Dr. Olga Tjortzakaki.
“I found 59 species of butterflies in Ioannina at a time when there are so many in the United Kingdom and 64 in the whole of the Netherlands respectively,” says Mr. Filippidis, who presented his thesis in July 2025, to the Athenian-Macedonian News Agency.
As he explains, sampling of butterflies and environmental data was carried out in 27 routes and in three zones of urbanization: inside Ioannina, in the outer hills and in the semi-urban area, where a total of 1258 individuals of butterflies belonging to 59 species were recorded.
“We investigated the differences in butterfly diversity and the composition of their communities, as well as environmental characteristics between the three urbanization zones. Overall, butterfly diversity did not show any statistically significant differences between zones. We conclude that the city of Ioannina hosts a relatively rich diversity of butterflies and offers significant biodiversity conservation value. The most important environmental factors affecting butterfly diversity patterns in the city were related to vegetation, artificial impervious surfaces and the presence of water,” says Mr. Filippidis.
In his research, he underlines, in fact, that in studying the perspective of urban landscapes as biodiversity sanctuaries, butterflies are ideal study organisms, thanks to their sensitivity to ecological changes – such as urbanization – and their overall usefulness as excellent biodiversity indicators.
“Butterflies may be organisms that we “pass by” a bit in our daily lives, but they are indicators of biodiversity for a healthy ecosystem,” he explains.
In his research he also identified a species considered endangered on the European Red List, Anthocharis damone and Thymelicus lineola, which is listed as vulnerable. “It is important to recognize and actively enhance the potential of urban habitats to act as biodiversity havens, especially for pollinators such as butterflies. By understanding the environmental factors that determine biodiversity in cities and taking into account the particular characteristics and requirements of each area, urban planning can become supportive of local biodiversity and support rich biocommunities, thus contributing positively to biodiversity conservation efforts.
Mr. Filippides encourages urban planners to consider outcomes when designing structures in the city, while ensuring habitat connectivity and the richness of nectar-giving plants to achieve a biodiversity-positive outcome.
Source: Skai
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