The Monarch is Dying?

The North American Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) feeds on milkweeds (Asclepias spp). Milkweeds produce a glycoside-containing latex, that's poisonous to cattle and horses. This much loved butterfly undertakes impressive migrations to specific locations, where large groups overwinter. There's now, however, real concern that the Monarch may not survive the burgeoning climate crisis. Consequently, the US Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing Federal protections for this insect. The Endangered Species Act gives specified organisms extensive protections. Broadly it becomes illegal to import or export that species. Possessing, transporting or killing the organism are also actively discouraged. The act wouldn't, however, punish folk for accidental vehicle kills of Monarchs. It would also still allow most farmers to remove Milkweed from their land. The insect also could still be used for educational purposes. The biggest restrictions, would apply to several Californian coastal areas. It's to here, where Western populations of Monarch migrate, to overwinter (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/dec/10/monarch-butterflies-threatened-species-list). It would be a real shame to lose the Monarch butterfly. It's migrations and overwintering gatherings are seen as wonders of the natural world. It's to be hoped, that the US Fish and Wildlife Service protections, will bring this butterfly back from the brink. After all, it's human activity that's endangering the species.