Study finds butterfly beauty skews conservation attention

A study published in Current Biology, co-authored by researchers from Lisbon University's CE3C centre, found that butterflies perceived as more beautiful attract disproportionate public attention, scientific research and conservation prioritisation. Drawing on over 21,000 survey responses from more than 100 countries, the team found visually appealing species overrepresented in instruments like the Bern Convention and the EU Habitats Directive, though not in IUCN Red Lists. Beauty-driven observation patterns on platforms like iNaturalist can also bias extinction-risk data. The researchers argue recognising this 'beauty bias' is a first step towards conservation decisions based on real ecological need rather than aesthetic appeal.