The migratory monarch butterfly—the iconic subspecies common to North America—was declared endangered today by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the global leading authority on the status of biological diversity.
Wow. I understand why that would be the case there. But, they are not endangered here. What is taking a hit are all the milkweeds they feed on. But then again, our monarchs do not migrate.
At least there will be live wild specimens elsewhere in the world.
I think there are also actively migrating groups that fly between the islands of Japan and as far south as some of the tropical Pacific islands further south.
… But it is still sad to know they are dying out from their native continent and we have been unable to ensure their survival….
Many people here actively raise Monarch caterpillars. However, at this time of the year they are asking for crown flower (giant milkweed) to feed them. There needs to be a balance. Not all caterpillars are meant to make it to adulthood. If they outstrip their food sources, then their food source will be in danger and they won't survive either. People should plant more milkweed to support them, but let mother nature control their numbers. P.S. there are two native butterflies that are on the endangered species list because of loss of habitat and the decline of stinging nettles which are their main food source.