The monarch butterfly is in danger of extinction due to habitat destruction and climate change.
The monarch butterfly was placed in the red list of threatened species.
Millions of butterflies migrate thousands of miles from the eastern US and Canada to Mexico and California in the winter.
Scientists say the monarch population has declined over the last decade. Between the 1980s and 2021, the western population of butterflies is at the greatest risk of extinction.
The population in the eastern part of the country has gone down by 80% over the last 20 years.
More than 40,000 species are at risk of extinction, as scientists warn of a sixth mass extinction event.
The decline is due to logging and the destruction of the butterflies winter shelter in Mexico and California. Butterflies and milkweed plants have been killed by pesticides and herbicides. Climate change has caused migration earlier before milkweed is available.
Bruno Oberle said in a statement that the Red List update highlighted the fragility of nature. In order to preserve the rich diversity of nature, we need effective, fairly governed protected and conserved areas.
Scientists worry if enough monarch butterflies will survive in order to maintain the population. People and organizations are being urged to help protect the species.
According to the Center for Biological Diversity, it is heartbreaking that monarch butterflies are now classified as extinct.
The Fish and Wildlife Service should be protecting the monarch butterfly instead of hiding behind bureaucratic excuses.
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