Schmetterlinge Österreichs

Blossoming Austria - Butterflies

The Blooming Austria Foundation and the Lower Austrian environmental movement "Nature in the Garden" have joined forces to launch the "Butterflies of Austria" app, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at conducting Austria's first comprehensive census of butterflies. This census is crucial as it addresses the urgent need for support and advocacy for Austria's butterfly population. Currently, approximately half of the 4,070 butterfly species found in Austria are endangered. Despite this alarming statistic, Austria remains one of the European countries with the highest butterfly diversity.

App Features

The "Butterflies of Austria" app is designed to be an engaging and user-friendly tool. It currently includes detailed profiles and high-quality photos of 140 Austrian butterfly species. This collection will expand over the coming months, providing users with even more comprehensive information. The app leverages a straightforward, Tinder-like interface where users can easily photograph and identify butterflies by swiping through clear filters. Existing photos can also be uploaded and identified within the app.

For those butterflies that prove challenging to identify, the app encourages community involvement. Users can request assistance from the community, and fellow enthusiasts can contribute their insights and identification tips. The app features a "Best List" section that showcases the most frequently observed butterflies, the most diligent observers, and the most helpful contributors. Users can create personalized favorites lists, share photos, and engage in social interactions by liking and commenting on others' contributions.

Community Engagement

This app serves as a platform for citizen science, allowing anyone to contribute to the study and conservation of butterflies, whether they are observing in their own gardens, during hikes, school trips, or leisurely walks in parks. By participating in this nationwide effort, users are contributing to Austria's largest butterfly portal, a significant step towards understanding and preserving these vital pollinators.

All the data collected, including photos, profiles, and user observations, can be accessed online at www.schmetterlingsapp.at. Together, we can bring Austria's rich butterfly biodiversity to the forefront and ensure their continued presence in our natural landscapes.