The Monarch Butterfly is one of the most recognizable creatures in North America. Some believe the Monarch is in trouble and want it listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service as an endangered species. Habitat loss and a fragmentation of habitat through its migration zones have contributed to the Monarchs dwindling population over the last 20 years. Milkweed is the preferred plant that Monarchs need to survive and the loss of this plant through the use of chemical weed killers is very detrimental. The loss of monarch habitat isn’t just bad for the monarchs though, it is also bad to other pollinators and animals that need the habitat to survive.
Most monarchs travel through the Midwest and they need the milkweed, wildflowers, and prairie grasses to survive. As these native plants begin to dwindle so do the monarchs. These plants are also helpful to prevent erosion and filter rain water to keep our streams and rivers clean. The monarch is very sensitive to habitat changes and the loss of the monarch signals bigger problems ahead for both wildlife and humans.
The Monarch winters in Mexico after migrating 3,000 miles from as far North as Ontario Canada. In 2004 there were an estimated 550 million Monarchs wintering in Mexico but by 2013 only 35 million made the trip (Lindsay N. Smith, National Geographic). The primary reason for the decline is the loss of milkweed. Monarchs will only lay their eggs on milkweed plants. Any loss of this plant is a loss of breeding habitat. As herbicides are used by farmers and landowners to control weeds the milkweed is an unfortunate casualty. Without intervention by us the monarch will continue to decline and possibly disappear. It is imperative that we act now to save the remaining habitat and also create more by planting milkweed to help create additional breeding sites.
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