Monarch Butterflies
Where have all the Monarchs Gone?
In the last two decades monarch butterfly populations have declined by 84% in the US. These iconic butterflies migrate thousands of miles each year between Mexico and Southern Canada.
Threats to the species include loss of breeding habitat, loss of wintering habitat in Mexico, lack of floral food resources for migrating adults, extreme weather patterns due to climate change, non-target toxicity of pesticides to adults, increased natural pests and disease.
The last generation of monarch butterflies born in northern states in August do not breed, but instead begin flying south to Mexico for the winter. Throughout their journey they are vulnerable to fall hurricanes, early frosts and cold snaps. The flowers that they need to fuel their journey are also going dormant for the winter!
What You Can Do to Help Monarchs
- Create Habitat
- Report
- Educate: Monarchs in the Classroom
Partners
- Monarch Joint Venture
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Save the Monarch Butterfly
- Natural Resources Conservation Service:
Learn More
- Wildlife Fact Sheet: Monarch Butterfly
- NH Wildlife Journal Magazine:
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