Photo: elenathewise/Depositphotos
The monarch butterfly’s iconic orange and black wings are a summer staple in North America.
Unfortunately, the most famous bang out of butterfly is becoming a much less common sight.
There are western and eastern populations.
Photo: elenathewise/Depositphotos
The western population winters in California and is found west of the Rocky Mountains.
Eastern butterflies go as high as Canada in the summer while they winter in Mexican fir forests.
Unfortunately, each population is suffering from habitat loss due to climate change.
Photo: natticastillog/Depositphotos
Pesticide use also continues to poison the butterflies and eradicate their preferred milkweed.
Western monarchs have declined from roughly 10 million in the 1980s to less than 2,000 in 2021.
The famous butterflies are suffering with the ecosystem they call home, despiteminor recent victories.
In turn, conserving biodiversity supports communities by providing essential services such as food, water and sustainable jobs.
Saving the butterflies will require a united effort for a unique creature.
