In a move aimed at halting the decline of monarch butterflies, U.S. wildlife officials have decided to list the species as threatened under federal protections. This decision follows years of concern from environmentalists over declining populations and the impacts of climate change.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is expected to finalize the listing of the monarch butterfly as a threatened species by the end of next year. The agency plans an extensive public comment period as part of this process. The Endangered Species Act, which will govern this listing, prohibits various activities such as importing, exporting, or killing listed species, although exceptions exist for those considered threatened.
Martha Williams, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, remarked that the monarch butterfly, known for its remarkable life cycle and widespread appeal, requires urgent conservation efforts. She emphasized public involvement in these efforts as crucial, given the ecological importance of monarchs.
One significant aspect of the proposal includes designating 4,395 acres across seven coastal California counties as critical winter habitat for western monarchs. While the land designation restricts certain federal actions, it does not entirely prohibit development. Instead, landowners needing federal permits must collaborate with the wildlife service to minimize habitat damage.
The Center for Biological Diversity initiated this proposal with a petition in 2014, leading to a review of the monarch’s status a few months later. Although a decision was delayed, legal actions prompted a timeline extension for a final decision by December 2025. The center views the initial decision as a significant milestone in their decade-long advocacy.
Monarch populations are under threat due to climate change, agricultural expansion, and herbicide use, which have diminished milkweed availability, their primary food source. A study by World Wildlife Fund Mexico recorded a 59% decrease in the butterflies’ wintering grounds between 2022 and 2023. The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation noted an 81% drop in monarch counts along the California coast over the past 25 years.
The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals warns that climate change could shift milkweed habitats further north. Such shifts would force monarchs to adapt by migrating greater distances, thus reducing their breeding periods. Kristen Lundh, a biologist from the wildlife service, explained that although there is a risk of extinction, especially for the western monarchs, the species is not currently facing immediate extinction. The proposed listing as threatened rather than endangered reflects this assessment.
The upcoming public comment phase will span 90 days, after which the Fish and Wildlife Service will consider alterations or decide on the listing. If advanced, a finalized listing is expected by December 2025.
The monarch butterfly’s addition to the threatened species list represents a critical step toward its conservation. Public participation will play a vital role in shaping these efforts, with hopes that strengthened protections will reverse the species’ decline.
Source: Nbcmiami
