Now we’ve got to watch out for the Orange and the Black.
While I sat clueless admiring 2 Monarch butterflies as they flitted and fluttered, enjoying the blooms in my backyard, North America’s migratory Monarch butterfly was added to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, endangered species list.
I was also not aware that in 2016, they were designated as endangered by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada.
The Monarchs still migrate to Mexico and are still there by the millions. It an amazing site to see and it’s on my bucket list. I would love to see something like this in person.
So how is this possible that these butterflies that appear to be so plentiful are now on the endangered list?
Well, those aren’t the Monarchs we are referring to. Even though their numbers are also decreasing, we need to head North for the true tragedy
It’s estimated that the population of these iconic butterflies have decreased between 22 to 72 percent in the last ten years.
Why such a drastic range, It all depends on the locations the count was taken.
The decrease in the Eastern population is less than that of the Western population. For the Western population of migratory Monarch butterflies in North America, that numbers go as high as 99%.
Over the last 2 decades Coastal California has seen populations dropped from upwards to 10 millions to less that 300 thousand.
While the loss may not as drastic all across North America, make no mistake the numbers are dropping and if it continue along the same path, there is no doubt that it will get to where the Western numbers currently are.
*** Did you know the Monarch butterfly migrations can over as much as 4000 miles? This makes it the longest migration of insect species.
Why should you care about a little butterfly? If their beauty and grace isn’t enough, then how about that stomach of yours? Ever heard of pollination? Even though Bees play the biggest role in pollination, these little beauties also play a part in our food cycle. Learn about butterflies and pollination.
What’s caused/causing this devastating drop in numbers?
Based on the current decline, it is believed that western monarchs are entering an extinction vortex. Whether or not enough butterflies survive to maintain the populations and prevent extinction is a major source of concern.
Loss of overwintering habitats, Pesticides and herbicides and Climate change are factors aiding in the dwindling numbers.
On a large scale, measures to protect their overwintering and summer habitat, limit pesticide on their migratory route are underway.
On a smaller scale what can we do? It’s very simple, create more pollinator gardens. Yup! it really is that simple. One person can make a difference. Why not dedicate a spot in your yard for a wild flower garden?
Add Milkweed to your garden. Monarch butterflies ONLY lay their eggs on Milkweed plants.
Milkweed provide a home for their eggs and is a food source for the larvae. While it does not kill it, the caterpillar, will devour the leaves on a Milkweed plant , so if you’re worried about the “look” of your garden, mix in some Milkweed seeds with your wildflower seeds.
The nectar also provides food for the adult Monarch. Due to the toxicity of the sap of the Milkweed plant, Monarch butterflies and the larvae are unappetizing to predators.
***Did you know: Other species of butterflies, like the Painted Lady also benefits from being a doppelganger of the Monarch. Similar coloring makes them more likely to get passed over by predators.
As an added benefit pollinator gardens attract other pollinators. Let me tell you ’bout the birds and the bees,