Welcome to The Buzz, your go-to pollinator conservation podcast. The monarch butterfly is one of the most iconic pollinators, recognized for its striking orange and black wings. But beyond its beauty, the monarch has become a symbol of conservation efforts worldwide. In today's episode, we'll discuss the decline of the Monarch Butterfly and the legislative momentum to protect this beautiful species.   

This podcast is supported in part by the USDA, NIFA Crop Protection and Pest Management - Extension Implementation Program, award number 2024-70006-43752. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the USDA.

The monarch butterfly has a fascinating life cycle. Each year, monarchs embark on one of nature's most incredible migrations, traveling thousands of miles from their breeding grounds in the United States and Canada to overwintering sites in Mexico and California. This journey spans multiple generations, with some monarchs flying up to 3,000 miles in their lifetime.

Historically, monarchs were abundant across North America. But over the past few decades, their populations have plummeted. The eastern monarch population, estimated by the area they occupy in their overwintering sites in Mexico, measured a peak population of 18 hectares in 1996. Today, their numbers have been reduced to less than 1 hectare. The western monarch population in California has also experienced a dramatic decline, with numbers dropping from 4.5 million in the 1980s to fewer than 2,000 individuals in its lowest count in 2020.  
So, what's causing this decline? According to decades of research, habitat loss is the greatest contributing factor to population decline. The destruction of milkweed, the only plant monarch caterpillars can eat, has significantly impacted their ability to reproduce. Milkweed plants are often eradicated by herbicides and land development, leaving monarchs without the resources they need to thrive.

Climate change also poses a serious threat. Extreme weather events, shifting temperatures, and changes in precipitation disrupt the delicate timing of monarch migration and breeding. Additionally, illegal logging in overwintering sites in Mexico has reduced the forested areas where monarchs cluster to survive the winter.

What is the current conservation status of Monarch butterflies? 

In July 2022, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) listed the migratory monarch butterfly as an endangered species, highlighting the urgency of its declining populations. However, following a petition in 2023, its status was adjusted to "vulnerable." In the United States, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has been evaluating the monarch's status since 2014. In December 2020, the USFWS concluded that listing the monarch as endangered was "warranted but precluded" due to higher priority species needing attention. This decision was revisited, and on December 12, 2024, the USFWS proposed listing the monarch butterfly as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. This proposal includes designating critical habitats, particularly about 4400 acres in California, to bolster conservation efforts. 

At the time of this recording, the USFWS's proposal to list the monarch butterfly as a threatened species was open for public comment. After the public comment period closes, USFWS will review all input and finalize its scientific assessment (typically within a few months). If listing is warranted, a Final Rule will be published in the Federal Register, officially designating the monarch as threatened, usually within a year. Once listed, conservation measures will take effect, and a Recovery Plan will be developed, with the species' status reviewed every five years for potential changes.

Despite the challenges for this iconic species, there is hope. Conservation efforts across North America are making a difference. Organizations and individuals are planting milkweed and other nectar-rich plants to support monarchs throughout their migration. NDSU Extension Pollinator Program provides ways for citizens to participate in monarch conservation through initiatives like our Certified Pollinator Garden program, Monarch Monitoring Training, and public outreach events. 

The monarch butterfly's story is a reminder of the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of preserving biodiversity. By working together, we can ensure that future generations will continue to marvel at the sight of monarchs on their remarkable journey.

Be sure to subscribe to The Buzz for future episodes, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram at NDSU Extension Pollinator Conservation. Until next time, let's keep the momentum going to protect not just the monarch, but all pollinators that contribute to the health of our planet. Thanks for listening.