A Butterfly Brief

 This week the U.S Fish and Wildlife announced the proposal for adding the monarch butterfly to the threatened species list. I know what you're thinking - finally!! Like many animals, the monarchs face many threats but even more so as a migratory butterfly. Habitat loss in breeding, migratory and overwintering habitats are one of the biggest threats to these treasured insects. Since the 1980's the eastern population has declined 80% and the western population 95% with the western population at a 99% chance of going extinct by 2080! The proposal would include protecting critical habitat for the Monarch in California. Habitat that has been on the decline at a rapid pace. 

There are shocking statistics on land lost in the United States.  Over 150 million acres of grassland once existed and now a sad 5% of that remains. In Pennsylvania around 153,000 acres of grassland covered the state. That number is now down to a mere 640 acres!

What is happening to the land? Agricultural development, urban sprawl, climate change and invasive species all are impacting grasslands and in turn all the creatures that inhabit or feed on this land. Grasslands are important for carbon sequestration and soil stabilization with many of these plant communities providing food to pollinators and wildlife and nesting habitat for many birds. 

Longwood Meadows

Grasslands are rich in diversity. A rare prairie in Pennsylvania, Jennings prairie in Slippery Rock, has around 225 native plants growing in the 20 acres and is home to the endangered massasauga rattlesnake. The environment supports the snake by providing habitat for amphibians and rodents which the snake consumes. The 225 plants support numerous pollinators, including the monarch and many bumble bees. A sea of purple covers the land in July, the blazing stars a real treat to see. This was once a common sight, but sadly habitats like are now rare and threatened by development. 

Jennings prairie

What can we do to help? The proposal will be posted on December 12, 2024 in the Federal Register found here followed by a 90-day comment period. Get the word out and get your voice heard! Moving in this direction will not only benefit the monarchs, but many other species who depend on these habitats. I hope it can also bring to light the many other animals that are threatened by habitat loss and climate change. And as alway, plant natives and grow some milkweed! 

Resources:

Rare prairie

NPR

Fish and Wildlife

Grasslands

Grasslands, Meadows and Savannas