The reason why these particular animals/insects are chosen is because they may not be as commonly known as opposed to its cousins or people may not be aware the danger they are in and the decreasing numbers of them in our country.
Tortoiseshell Butterfly
Also known as aglais urticae, they are usually small butterflies but, although rare, larger Totroiseshell butterflies have been seen. Tortoiseshell butterflies are a common type of butterfly however, in recent years, the numbers seen have been declining due to the expansion of other insects where young caterpillars of the Totoiseshell butterflies have been eaten therefore, threatening the numbers of Tortoiseshell butterflies in their habitat. They are found widespread across Britain and Ireland but tend to be more absent towards the North. They tend to hibernate in cold, damp buildings but are more active in warmer months. You can easily spot a Tortoiseshell butterfly by its bright orange wings with black spots.
The red squirrels are actively talked about and are on the news due to their lack of presence in nature. They are classified as a Priority Species in the UK due to its shortage of number. The number of red squirrels have been threatened by the large number of grey squirrels. Red squirrels used to be the only type of squirrel in Europe until the grey squirrel were introduced from America in the 1800s. Although they are very active in Europe and Asian, they are less commonly seen in the UK. The red squirrel is rarely seen, most of the time you only see greys, which is a big difference from 90 years ago where they were actively part of nature. Prince Charles is a supporter of the protection of red squirrels and like others, are concerned about their decline. He had written an open letter to show his concern about the number of red squirrels compared to the grey and how grey squirrels infect the reds that leads them to their death. He believes that if we do something about the grey squirrels from stopping them from mating and expanding for a while whilst red squirrel numbers normalise and stabilise back to it's original population. Red squirrels are mainly seen in the North, in the woodlands which is their habitat. Of all places in the country, they are mostly seen throughout Scotland, mainly near forests or plantations. You can easily spot a red squirrel simply by the colour of its fur.
Turtle Dove
Turtle Doves are vulnerable to global extinction and are on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species due to its decreasing numbers. There has be 91% decline since 1995 in the UK. Their decline is due to the loss of suitable habitat, food shortages on breeding grounds, disease and hunting of the doves. They are mainly doves of Southern and Eastern England and are more likely to be seen in the woodlands or open land. Their name comes from the gentle 'turrrr-turrr' sound they make. You can spot a Turtle Dove by its orange eyes, black and white stripe on their necks, black tail and its pale grey-lilac head and breast.
Bumblebees
Bumblebees are cousins to the honey bees who are known to produce honey for human consumption. Bumblebees however, have been more absent in recent years. Bumblebees are the ones that pollinate flowers and plants so that it keeps the cycle of nature going. They have a key role in producing our food such as through pollination through crops so that fruit and vegetables can grow. Their decreasing population is caused by parasites and lack of flowers/crops due to synthetic pollination of crops and flowers. Bumblebees are widespread are very easy to spot as I am sure everyone has seen them but if not, their black and white striped hair make them distinct.
Card Occasion
As the decline of these animals/insets are an important issue, it would be better to have them as everyday cards as opposed to birthday cards. Everyday cards are more serious and would evoke emotion as opposed to birthday cards that are more humorous or celebratory.
With Sympathy
The Turtle Dove would fit well for this everyday card as doves are known as peaceful animals and is the sign of the Holy Spirit. Doves stand for purity, love, grace and hopefulness which reflect with the words 'With Sympathy'.
Sorry
The 'Sorry' card will be suitable with the image of the red squirrel as to say sorry to them as they are decreasing in population but also because were sorry that we could have done something sooner to stop the decreasing numbers of their population thus far. Squirrels are known to have awareness of its surroundings, always looking out for danger, they are well prepared, and resourceful.
Thank You
The 'Thank You' card will be reflected by the bumblebees as we should be thankful and grateful for their presence because without them, we wouldn't have any crops of fruit and vegetables. We wouldn't have flowers or plants. Bumblebees play a very important role in nature that sometimes people forget about and on the 'Thank You' card, people would become more aware of their presence and what they do for us.
Get Well Soon
The 'Get Well Soon' card will feature the Tortoiseshell butterfly as butterflies are known to be vibrant, beautiful and uplifting. Butterflies remind you of the summer and happy times so it is a positive message to the 'Get Well Soon' and it makes you feel uplifted. Butterflies symbolise renewal/rebirth, growth, transition, celebration and time which shows butterflies are patient insects and 'Get(ting) Well Soon' takes patience.
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