Monarch Butterflies Are Now Endangered As Populations Rapidly Decline Due To Habitat Loss And Climate Change
On Thursday, July 21, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) declared the migratory monarch butterfly endangered and added it to the Red List of Threatened Species.
The popular orange insect is most famous for its unique two-way migration patterns. Unlike any other butterfly, migratory monarchs that live in eastern North America will move to the Sierra Madre mountains in Mexico every winter.
Meanwhile, migratory monarchs located in the west will travel to California’s coastal regions, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
Now, though, food shortages, habitat loss, and climate change are threatening the stability of the species.
First, monarchs depend on milkweed leaves while caterpillars. But, due to the rise of droughts, milkweed growth has been decreasing.
Moreover, the use of glyphosate herbicide on crops such as soybeans and corn has contributed to the rapid decline of the food source.
On top of this, rising national temperatures have also pushed monarchs to embark on earlier migrations.
Plus, the rise of logging and deforestation have shrunk the available habitats that monarchs seek while wintering in Mexico and California.
Now, the IUCN has estimated that the national population of migratory monarchs has been decimated between twenty-two and seventy-two percent over the last ten years.
Maridav – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purpose only, not the actual person
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The western population has most notably been affected, with populations declining ninety-nine percent since the 1980s.
“It is difficult to watch monarch butterflies and their extraordinary migration teeter on the edge of collapse,” said Anna Walker, a member of the IUCN SSC Butterfly and Moth Specialist Group, who led the assessment.
Nonetheless, she also underscored how there still is hope if we act now.
Two critical actions that community members can take are limiting the usage of pesticides and contributing to the growth of native milkweed.
Additionally, Dr. Bruno Oberle– the IUCN’s Director– has called upon local governments to act against climate change and improve habitat preservation efforts.
“To preserve the rich diversity of nature, we need effective, fairly governed, protected, and conserved areas, alongside decisive action to tackle climate change and restore ecosystems,” Dr. Oberle explained.
“In turn, conserving biodiversity supports communities by providing essential services such as food, water, and sustainable jobs.”
To get involved in the fight to save the monarchs, contact a local wildlife conservation organization near you to access resources or volunteer your time.
And to read the IUCN’s complete press release, visit the link here.
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