Butterfly population decline is measurable, documented, and connected to something most people eat every day. Federico Riva of Carleton University helped lead a global analysis to figure out how bad it actually is.

 

The UK has been counting butterflies since 1976. North America and Europe show clear declining trends. The tropical world is largely unmapped. Riva's global collaboration, built with researchers from every major continent, found that understanding where declines are happening and why is the first step. Habitat loss, he says, needs to be reversed now.

 

Canada's Boreal Forest ranks among the largest remaining wildlife sanctuaries on the planet. Monarch butterflies migrate here from Mexico every year. Riva did 500 days of field work in Alberta's forests counting butterflies. His advice for anyone not yet paying attention: start with the monarch. Five minutes, he says, is usually enough.

 

Topics: butterfly population decline, habitat loss Canada, monarch butterfly migration, Boreal Forest wildlife, pollinator loss food

 

GUEST: Federico Riva


Originally aired on 2026-05-12

Butterfly population decline is measurable, documented, and connected to something most people eat every day. Federico Riva of Carleton University helped lead a global analysis to figure out how bad it actually is.
&nbsp;
The UK has been counting butterflies since 1976. North America and Europe show clear declining trends. The tropical world is largely unmapped. Riva's global collaboration, built with researchers from every major continent, found that understanding where declines are happening and why is the first step. Habitat loss, he says, needs to be reversed now.
&nbsp;
Canada's Boreal Forest ranks among the largest remaining wildlife sanctuaries on the planet. Monarch butterflies migrate here from Mexico every year. Riva did 500 days of field work in Alberta's forests counting butterflies. His advice for anyone not yet paying attention: start with the monarch. Five minutes, he says, is usually enough.
&nbsp;
Topics: butterfly population decline, habitat loss Canada, monarch butterfly migration, Boreal Forest wildlife, pollinator loss food
&nbsp;
GUEST: Federico Riva
 Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-05-12

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.