5 sources·Science

U.S. Proposes Threatened Status for Monarch Butterflies amid Population Declines

The Fish and Wildlife Service aims to list monarch butterflies as threatened due to alarming population drops linked to habitat loss and climate change.

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Updated: Dec 10th, 2024, 7:16 PM ET

Summary

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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed listing the monarch butterfly as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, reflecting significant population declines. Factors contributing to this decline include habitat loss, climate change, and pesticide use. If approved, this designation would provide critical protections, including restrictions on killing and habitat modification. The proposal opens a 90-day public comment period, before the agency decides on the final listing by December 2025. Conservationists view this as a vital step in preserving a beloved pollinator facing extinction threats.

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