Monarch Butterfly as Threatened Species

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed listing the monarch butterfly as a threatened species due to population declines caused by habitat loss, pesticide use, farming practices, and climate change. Monarch butterflies, known for their long migrations, play critical roles as pollinators and indicators of environmental health. Populations have plummeted by 80% in the east and over 95% in the west since the 1980s. The proposal includes designating 4,395 acres in California as critical habitat. Public comments are open until March 2025. This initiative under the Endangered Species Act aims to protect monarch butterflies and their habitats.