Endangered Species Act Protection Proposed for Monarch Butterfly

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says it is proposing protection for the monarch butterfly and urging the public to be part of the insect’s recovery. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams said in a news release the proposed listing under the Endangered Species Act “invites and builds on unprecedented public participation in shaping monarch conservation efforts. Providing monarchs with enough milkweed and nectar plants, even in small areas, can help put them on the road to recovery.” Fish and Wildlife said while many people have already helped, additional habitat and protections are needed. The agency said the western population of monarch butterflies has declined by more than 95% since the 1980s, and the eastern migratory population is estimated to have declined by about 80%. Here is a link to read more.