Wildlife Officials Recommend Classifying Monarch Butterfly as Endangered Species

In response to the ongoing decrease in numbers, federal wildlife officials are suggesting that the monarch butterfly be added to the endangered species list to raise public awareness and support recovery initiatives.

“This proposed listing enhances and encourages unprecedented public involvement in the development of monarch conservation strategies,” Williams stated.

“By ensuring monarchs have sufficient milkweed and nectar plants, even in small spaces, we can help initiate their recovery. Together, we can work to preserve this remarkable species for future generations.”

In North America, monarch butterflies are divided into two populations: the eastern migratory population, which has seen an 80 percent decline, and the western migratory population, which has diminished by 95 percent.

The larger of the two, the eastern migratory population, makes its way to the mountains of central Mexico for winter, while the western population heads to coastal California.

“Back in the mid-1990s, around 380 million eastern monarchs embarked on the lengthy journey to their wintering grounds in Mexico, undertaking one of the longest insect migrations globally,” the FWS noted.

According to the FWS, there’s a 99 percent likelihood that the western migratory population will face extinction by 2080.

“Factors threatening monarchs include habitat loss and degradation for breeding, migration, and wintering; exposure to insecticides; and the impacts of climate change,” the FWS reported. “While many have already contributed to the butterfly’s conservation, more habitat and protective measures are required to ensure the species survives for future generations.”

Additionally, the FWS is planning to set aside 4,395 acres of land in coastal California regions to safeguard vital winter habitats, according to the FWS.

“The monarch butterfly and its astonishing multi-generational migration are wonders of nature,” said National Wildlife Federation CEO Collin O’Mara.

He encourages Americans to “plant native milkweed and nectar plants throughout the nation—whether in our yards, schools, parks, rights-of-way, businesses, places of worship, or other settings.”

The FWS’s proposal is set to be published in the Final Register on December 12.

“Every individual can contribute to the preservation of the monarch butterfly,” the FWS emphasized. “Given the butterfly’s broad range and general habitat needs, all sectors of society have the chance to engage in diverse conservation efforts throughout its habitat.”