Monarch butterflies teetering ‘on the edge of collapse,’ added to endangered species list

The monarch butterfly has been added to the list.

The butterfly, a part of the monarch family, is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. Climate change is one of the main threats to the monarch.

"It is difficult to watch monarch butterflies and their extraordinary migration teeter on the edge of collapse, but there are signs of hope," Anna Walker said in a statement. Many people and organizations are trying to protect the butterfly.

The bumblebee could be declared extinct.

One of the most amazing journeys in the animal kingdom is performed by the monarch. Monarchs travel from wintering grounds in Mexico and California to breeding grounds in Canada and the United States every year. The migration can take months and can go up to 2,485 miles. Butterflies hatch in the U.S. and Canada in the summer. The butterflies head north to breed. The great-grandchildren of the first generation that arrived back at the northernmost point of the migration are the ones who make this return journey.

To survive the journey, monarchs rely on rest stops in specific habitats, such as the oyamel fir forests of Mexico. According to the forest service, these forests provide winter shelter for insects. milkweed is the only plant monarchs can eat.

The habitats of migratory monarchs are in danger. Climate change is making Mexican and California forests vulnerable to clear-cutting and fires. Pesticide use kills monarchs. Warming temperatures may mean that the monarchs are beginning their journey before milkweed is available, and that this may be due to the lack of milkweed in the area. The native population of migratory monarchs has shrunk over the past 10 years, according to the agency.

The western population of these butterflies has dwindled from 10 million in the 1980's to only 1,914 today. The population in the east of the Rockies has shrunk by 80%.

The FWS found that adding the monarch to the U.S. list was unwarranted but precluded at the time.

"From planting native milkweed and reducing pesticide use to supporting the protection of overwintering sites and contributing to community science, we all have a role to play in making sure this insect makes a full recovery."

If you live in a region where monarch butterflies visit, the Monarch Joint Venture has tips on how to join the fight. There are a number of ways to get involved.

• Plant milkweed. Different species are adapted to different regions, so use this factsheet (PDF) from Monarch Joint Venture to see what will grow best in your area.
• Plant a monarch buffet. Adults monarchs eat from a variety of plants. Regional guides can be found at the Xerces Society.
• Never use insecticides around pollinator habitat, and limit the use of herbicides.
• Advocate for pollinator-friendly policies both locally and nationally.
• Participate in a community science project by tracking monarchs in your area.

It was originally published on Live Science