Save the Monarchs

What is monarch migration?

Monarch Migration is one of the most well-known animal phenomena and scientists are still questioning how these small creatures do it. There are two main monarch groups: the eastern population that lives in the US and Southern CA (east of the Rocky Mountains), and the western population in California (west of the Rocky Mountains). The eastern monarch population leaves their homes once there is a decrease in day length, temperature, and milkweed which is their main food source. Their journey south usually begins in August. Monarchs make this trip in one generation by increasing their usual 2-6 week lifespan to 6-9 months. The migratory generation goes through reproductive diapause in which their juvenile hormone declines causing them to not breed or mature as quickly. Then the eastern population spends winter in Mexican mountains, huddled together on eucalyptus and oyamel fir trees. Their body systems slow down and they feed on their stored lipid sources. In order for these creatures to navigate to these sites they use internal circadian clocks found in their antenna. They also use the sun's angle and earth's magnetic fields to help them stay on track towards their destination. The monarchs then return home, starting around April, but this time breeding and producing multiple generations along the way. 

What is happening to the monarchs?

Monarch numbers are shockingly low, and are still currently decreasing. The western monarch population has downsized by 99% since the 1980’s, and the eastern population has dropped by 80%. This is due to many environmental factors, most of which are caused by humans. Herbicides are used on many crops and often infect milkweed plants, which then not only affect the butterflies feeding on them but also the larvae that hatch on their leaves.  Deforestation and illegal logging of native trees in Mexico make it harder for monarchs to find a safe place to congregate. Parasites are also infecting migrating monarchs, but these parasites are even more devastating for non-migratory monarchs. Climate Change is also another devastating factor for monarchs. Global warming is responsible for causing drastic weather patterns such as extreme warms and frigid colds, which the monarchs cannot sustain. The changing temperatures also influence their biological processes, throwing off their migrational patterns. Monarchs are considered endangered but they need more conservation efforts from the US and Mexico. Many scientists are worried their migration could collapse so there has been a call on Congress to donate 100 million dollars per year to help save the butterflies. Butterflies, similar to bees, are so vital to our environment because they are pollinators. Without these vital pollinators our food security could be threatened and our environmental balance could be thrown off permanently.

What can you do to help?

It is encouraged to plant milkweed as much as possible because of the nectar and breeding habitat it provides. Planting other nectar flowers can also provide monarchs with the food sources they need to reproduce and migrate. You would want to grow these plants in a habitat free from pesticide disturbance and mowing. Also, do anything to help reduce climate change including recycling, avoiding carbon emissions, and educating others. If you don’t have the opportunity to do any of the things previously stated, just spread awareness on the issue and share this article with a friend. Conservation efforts need to happen now or these beautiful orange and black creatures will be gone from our environment before we know it.