Threats to the Monarch Butterfly

The declining populations of monarch butterflies have raised alarms among wildlife officials, prompting a proposal to list them as a threatened species. Population estimates reveal a staggering 80% decrease in eastern monarchs and a 95% drop in western populations since the 1980s, largely due to habitat loss and the effects of climate change. The importance of monarchs extends beyond their beauty, as they are vital for pollination, impacting 75% of the food supply in North America. To combat this decline, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service aims to implement protective measures while also encouraging greater public awareness about the threats to these crucial pollinators.