Climate change is gradually transforming the biodiversity map

Jul 30, 2012 07:59 GMT  ·  By

Just recently, biologists in Montreal, Quebec found that a butterfly species indigenous to Central and South America is now thriving in this part of the world as well.

Since the Giant swallowtail butterfly needs higher temperatures in order to carry on with its daily routine, researchers argue that its presence in Canada can only be explained by climate change and global warming.

Thus, milder temperatures in Nordic areas allowed this species to successfully make it through the winter and extend its natural habitat to portions of land previously off-limits to it.

Although the butterfly is indeed a pleasure to look at, given both its size and the fascinating patterns its wings display, biologists are nevertheless worried, as each day brings them further proof that climate change is gradually transforming the world's biodiversity map.