“Monarch Butterfly Population Decline Sparks Endangered Species Act Debate: What’s Next?”

The iconic monarch butterfly, known for its vibrant orange and black wings, may soon be granted protections under the Endangered Species Act. Federal wildlife officials are set to make a decision in early December on whether the monarch butterfly, a crucial pollinator found in nearly every state in the U.S., warrants federal protections.

Over the past decade, various groups and individuals have been monitoring the declining populations of monarch butterflies. Efforts by conservationists, researchers, and volunteers have highlighted the urgent need to protect these butterflies. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is expected to submit a proposed rule to list the monarch butterfly as threatened under the Endangered Species Act by December 4, 2024.

The decline in monarch populations is a result of various factors, including habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. Eastern monarch populations have decreased by over 80% since the 1990s, while Western monarch numbers have plummeted by more than 95% since the 1980s. The destruction of overwintering grounds, loss of milkweed plants, and exposure to harmful pesticides have all contributed to the decline.

If the monarch butterfly is listed as threatened, it would receive federal protections, although not as extensive as those for endangered species. This designation would allow federal wildlife managers to tailor protections to balance conservation efforts with activities that may impact the species, such as farming practices.

There are concerns within the agricultural community about how a listing could affect farming practices, including the use of pesticides and herbicides. Farmers worry about potential restrictions on land use and agricultural practices if wide areas are designated as critical habitat for monarch butterflies.

As the decision on the monarch butterfly’s status approaches, stakeholders from all sides of the issue are preparing to engage in the public comment period that will follow the proposed rule. The final decision on the listing is expected to be made in 2025, following a thorough review of public feedback.

The plight of the monarch butterfly underscores the need for large-scale conservation efforts to address widespread threats to biodiversity. Conservationists emphasize the importance of protecting not only species with limited ranges but also those, like the monarch butterfly, that play a vital role in ecosystems across the continent.