Just beautiful?! What determines butterfly species for nature conservation

Abstract Prioritization is crucial in nature conservation, as land and financial resources are limited. Selection procedures must follow objective criteria, not primarily subjective aspects, such charisma. In this study, we assessed the level of charisma for all European butterflies. Based on these data, analysed values species listed annexes EU Habitats Directive being conservation priority according to criteria derived by three criteria: Species ecological specialisation, distribution, threat. The mean was higher than not-listed species. Five twenty most charismatic were also Directive, but none occurred list priority. A trait space analysis revealed remarkable differences between different assortments: covered a large included many with high value, low biogeographical relevance, while restricted did overlap According our findings, selection still follows mix aesthetic combined some criteria.