The monarch butterfly and the Endangered Species Act

The monarch butterfly is disappearing, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a proposal to classify it as threatened.

Here are key things to know about monarchs and the proposal to protect it under the Endangered Species Act:

1. The monarch is hurting. Western monarch populations, those living west of the Rockies and wintering in California, have declined by more than 90% since the 1980s. The eastern monarchs, i.e. those residing east of the Rockies and wintering in Mexico, have dropped by about 80%.
2. Waiting. Four years ago, in December 2020, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined that listing the monarch was “warranted” but also said that there were “higher priority” species. In other words, wait in line.
3. A deadline. In a court settlement, the Fish and Wildlife Service agreed to decide by the end of 2024 whether to protect the butterfly under the Endangered Species Act, which is what the agency did on December 10, 2024.
4. Threatened, not endangered. The agency proposed to list the insect as “threatened,” one step less dire than “endangered.”
5. Not a done deal. The decision kicks off a 90-day public comment period that starts on December 12 and concludes March 12. In other words, the process extend into Trump administration.

Why are monarchs disappearing?

America’s most iconic butterfly, which has graced backyards and wowed children for generations, has seen a steep population decline. Why?

1. Missing milkweed. Female monarchs lay their eggs milkweed, and it’s the only plant that the young caterpillars munch on. Milkweed has been decimated by herbicides, which are designed to kill weeds.
2. Pesticides. In addition to herbicides, insecticides are linked to butterfly declines, in particular “neonics.”

What can we do? 

We can’t let it disappear on our watch. Here’s what can be done by individuals, businesses and governments:

1. Plant milkweed and flowering plants. The key is to make sure the type of milkweed is native to your area. Here’s our list of tips for when, where and how to plant milkweed. Individuals, businesses and governments can take this step.
2. Cut the pesticides. If you can avoid them, do. The not-always-realized reward of a prettier yard isn’t worth the unintended consequence of harming butterflies, bees and more.
3. Invest in wildlife protection. Nearly 30 states consider the monarch a “species of greatest conservation need” on their wildlife action plans. States and the federal government need to fund these wildlife action plans. They do little good sitting on a shelf.
4. More habitat please.  The Monarch and Pollinator Highway Program is a federal program that grants money to states, enabling them to invest in  beautiful, low-maintenance pollinator-friendly vegetation. Check out this fact sheet from TexDOT on what Texas has done. The challenge for states (and pollinators) is that Congress has been inconsistent about putting money into the grants program.
5. Finalize the proposal. The 50-year old Endangered Species Act has a proven track record of saving species from extinction. So let’s get the monarch the protections it needs.

Let’s ensure that future generations marvel at these insects and their wondrous migration. Save the monarch butterfly.