The rapid decline in the population of the Monarch butterfly has finally gained the attention it deserves. Recently, it was announced that the United States White House officials have developed a plan to save this pollinating species: build a new butterfly highway.
Currently, the cause of the Monarchs rapid drop in numbers is unknown; however, whether it be pesticides, loss of habitat or climate change, it is evident that some form of action needs to be taken in order to save the species from extinction.
Therefore, as reported by The Washington Post, the Fish and Wildlife Service has announced its plans to build a highway-side corridor for Monarch butterflies, which will provide the species with a source of food and shelter.
The highway-side corridor is planned to line the I-35, the highway that extends from Mexico to Minnesota, which ideally follows the path the Monarchs take when doing their annual 2,000 mile-long migration. Milkweed, the Monarch’s favourite plant for shelter and food, will be used to build the corridor and draw the butterflies in. This will reduce the risk of them being hit by speeding cars, and will provide them with an area to safely rest and feed during migration. The areas flat roadside vegetation is also perfectly situated for the butterfly, making it an ideal area for the project.
“Reversing the decline won’t be easy, but we can do it,” said Dan Ashe, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Shockingly, in the last 25 years, nearly a billion Monarch butterflies have gone. The species diminished numbers could potentially have disastrous effects on the environment. Similarly to the bee, the Monarch butterfly’s presence is essential for the pollination and health of the ecosystem.
According to the federal agency, the primary threat to the species is the loss of their habitat. Therefore, Ashe has also reached out the public, urging them to do their part and add some Monarch friendly plants to any free areas at home.
“We can make habitat for the Monarch butterfly in backyards, in schoolyards, in city, county, state and national parks, in wildlife refuges, forests, along rights of way, along roadways, basically along the side of every tiny patch of open space,” said Ashe. “And the magic is if we make the habitat, the Monarch butterflies will come.”
In addition to the plan, the white house has contributed $1.2 million to the Monarch Conservation Fund, a National Fish and Wildlife Service project that aims to protect the species. A further $2 million was also dedicated to the restoration of habitats and outreach.
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