The US Fish and Wildlife Service announced a landmark decision on Tuesday to extend federal protections to the monarch butterfly, a beloved species facing alarming population declines. This move comes after years of warnings from environmentalists who fear climate change coudl push the iconic pollinator towards extinction.
The agency plans to list the monarch as “threatened” by the end of next year, following a period for public feedback. Director Martha Williams emphasized the butterfly’s meaning, stating, “the iconic monarch butterfly is cherished across North America, captivating children and adults throughout its fascinating life cycle. Despite its fragility, it is remarkably resilient, like many things in nature when we just give them a chance.”
Listing the monarch butterfly as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act will provide crucial safeguards. While it will generally prohibit killing or transporting the butterfly, certain exceptions will allow for continued removal of milkweed, a vital food source for monarch caterpillars, for agricultural practices and land management. Incidental kills from vehicle strikes, educational uses, and the transport of fewer than 250 monarchs will remain permitted.
The proposal designates over 4,000 acres along the coastal California counties, the wintering grounds for monarchs west of the Rocky Mountains, as critical habitat. This designation ensures federal agencies cannot destroy or alter this vital habitat.
The journey to secure federal protection for the monarch has been protracted. Conservation groups,led by the Center for Biological Diversity,petitioned for the listing in 2014. While the Fish and Wildlife Service acknowledged the need for listing in 2020, other species were prioritized. Following a lawsuit and settlement in 2022, the government committed to a decision by December 2025.
“The fact that a butterfly as widespread and beloved as the monarch is now the face of the extinction crisis is a… distress signal warning us to take better care of the surroundings that we all share,” said Tierra Curry, a senior scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity.
Alarming data collected by the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation reveals an 81% plunge in the monarch population over the past 25 years, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Experts attribute the decline to several factors, including climate change-induced warmer temperatures, agricultural expansion, and the widespread use of herbicides that decimate milkweed populations.
The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), an international association dedicated to safeguarding migratory species, has warned that rising global temperatures could shift milkweed northward, forcing monarchs to migrate longer distances and reducing their breeding time. Additionally, unpredictable temperature fluctuations could disrupt monarch migration patterns and overwintering conditions.The official listing of the monarch butterfly as “threatened” will mark a meaningful step in its conservation, prompting renewed efforts to safeguard its future and the delicate balance of our ecosystems.
How can individuals help in the conservation of monarch butterflies?
Q&A: Monarch Butterfly Protections – Interview with Tierra Curry, Senior Scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Tierra. The recent announcement by the US fish and wildlife Service to extend federal protections to the monarch butterfly is significant. Why is this decision so critical right now?
Tierra Curry: thank you for having me. The decision to list the monarch butterfly as “threatened” is emblematic of a broader environmental crisis. Monarchs have experienced an alarming 81% population decline over the past 25 years, primarily due to climate change, agricultural expansion, and the widespread use of herbicides that eliminate milkweed, their essential food source. By acknowledging this decline and offering protections, we’re taking a meaningful step towards conserving not just the monarch, but the fragile ecosystems they represent.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned that milkweed is vital for monarch caterpillars. What specific protections will the proposed listing provide for their habitat?
Tierra Curry: The listing will ensure that over 4,000 acres of critical habitat along the coastal California counties are protected from destruction. This includes prohibiting federal agencies from altering these areas, which are essential for the monarchs during winter. However,it’s worth noting that while killing or transporting monarchs will be largely prohibited,there are exceptions for agricultural practices—so the challenge lies in balancing conservation with necessary land management.
Time.news Editor: Can you elaborate on the reasons behind the dramatic decline in the monarch population? what role does climate change play in this phenomenon?
Tierra Curry: Absolutely. climate change is a significant factor driving the decline of the monarch butterfly. Warmer temperatures can shift the distribution of milkweed northward, forcing monarchs to migrate longer distances, which complicates their breeding cycles. additionally, unpredictable weather can disrupt their migration patterns and overwintering conditions, contributing to lower survival rates. these challenges, coupled with habitat loss and pesticide use, create a perfect storm for the monarch population.
Time.news Editor: With the monarch butterfly being a symbol of the extinction crisis, what implications does this listing have for othre endangered species and our ecosystems at large?
Tierra Curry: This listing sends a powerful message. The fact that such a beloved species can face extinction is a wake-up call for us all.It underscores the urgency of addressing environmental issues on a broader scale. Protecting the monarch butterfly can definately help galvanize efforts for other at-risk species and emphasizes the interconnectedness of our ecosystems. When we protect one species, we often protect many others within that habitat.
time.news Editor: What can individuals and communities do to support the conservation of monarch butterflies and their habitats?
Tierra Curry: There are several actionable steps people can take to help. Planting native milkweed species in gardens and green spaces is crucial, as this provides a food source for caterpillars.Additionally, reducing pesticide use and advocating for local policies that protect natural habitats can make a significant impact. Joining conservation organizations, participating in citizen science projects, and spreading awareness also contribute to the larger effort to safeguard the monarch.
Time.news Editor: what message would you like to leave our readers regarding the future of the monarch butterfly and biodiversity?
Tierra Curry: The future of the monarch butterfly hangs in the balance, but we have the power to change its trajectory. Every action counts, whether it’s in our gardens, communities, or through supporting conservation initiatives. The plight of the monarch is a distress signal—a reminder that we must take better care of our shared environment for the sake of all species, including our own. Protecting biodiversity is vital for maintaining the health of our planet.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, tierra, for sharing your insights on this crucial matter. It’s clear that the conservation of the monarch butterfly is a priority that we can all contribute to,ensuring a healthier future for our ecosystems.
Tierra Curry: Thank you for shining a light on this vital issue. Together, we can make a difference for the monarch and beyond.