The monarch butterfly may soon be included on the Endangered Species list after its population is predicted to become extinct by 2080 without change.
One of the most recognizable insects in the world, the orange and black butterfly is facing issues including degradation of breeding, exposure to insecticides and the effects of climate change.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service predicts the western populations of the monarch butterfly faces a 99 percent chance of extinction by 2080. The eastern monarch has a better chance of survival with only a 56 to 74 percent probability of extinction in the same timeframe.
“The iconic monarch butterfly is cherished across North America, captivating children and adults throughout its fascinating lifecycle. Despite its fragility, it is remarkably resilient, like many things in nature when we just give them a chance,” said Martha Williams, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service director. “Science shows that the monarch needs that chance, and this proposed listing invites and builds on unprecedented public participation in shaping monarch conservation efforts.
“Providing monarchs with enough milkweed and nectar plants, even in small areas, can help put them on the road to recovery. Working together, we can help make this extraordinary species a legacy for our children and generations to come.”
The proposed rule will help build on and enhance monarch conservation efforts while balancing activities in support of economic growth.
“The monarch butterfly and its remarkable multi-generation migration are marvels of the natural world,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “This science-based decision is a national call to action for all Americans to save this majestic species by joining forces to plant native milkweed and nectar plants all across the nation – our yards, schools, parks, rights-of-way, businesses, places of worship, working lands, and so much more. By working collaboratively, we will recover and safeguard this iconic species for future generations.”
To assist with monarch conservation efforts, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is also proposing critical habitat for the species at a portion of its overwintering sites in coastal California. Overwintering habitat provides an essential resting place for monarchs during the cold winter months and helps them prepare for breeding in the early spring.
In total, the proposal includes 4,395 acres of critical habitat for the western migratory monarch population across Alameda, Marin, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz and Ventura counties in California. A critical habitat designation imposes no requirements on state or private land unless the action involves federal funding, permits or approvals.
The proposal to list the monarch butterfly and designate critical habitat was published in the Federal Register on Thursday.
Public input is requested on a proposal to list the species as threatened with species-specific protections and flexibilities to encourage conservation under section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act.
Public comments will be accepted on the proposal until March 12, 2025. Information about how to submit comments can be found on regulations.gov by searching for docket number FWS-R3-ES-2024-0137. This docket also includes information about how to attend two virtual public information meetings.
After the deadline, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will evaluate the comments and any additional information on the species and determine whether to list the monarch butterfly.
For more information about the monarch listing proposal and how to help conserve monarch butterflies, visit https://www.fws.gov/monarch.
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Crystal Graham
