Why are Monarch Butterflies Important? (from the National Park Service)
Monarchs pollinate a variety of wildflowers, contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem.
Monarchs are a food source for many birds, small animals, and insects.
Without monarchs, there would be a decline in other species (i.e. the plants they pollinate, the animals they feed), causing a huge domino effect throughout the ecosystem.
Why are Monarch Butterfly Populations Declining? (from PSU)
There are 3 main causes for the decline of Monarch populations.
Habitat Loss. Plants that feed and house monarch butterflies (i.e. milkweed) are being destroyed by human development, leaving the butterflies without resources.
Pesticides. The use of pesticides on plants can poison and kill monarch butterflies as well as kill the plants that they rely on.
Climate Change. Increasing temperatures interfere with the migration patterns of monarch butterflies, who rely on the consistency of temperature changes to know when to move. This further effects when/where breeding occurs and may cause overwintering in different locations. Can cause population declines in the long term.
How Can I Help? (from PSU)
Reduce pesticide use.
Plant a butterfly garden with plants like milkweed to feed monarchs.
Reduce your carbon footprint.
Encourage your school or workplace to incorporate these practices as well.
Curious how else you can help? Compassion Bands is selling a Save the Monarch Butterflies bracelet. A portion of proceeds is donated to Save Our Monarchs, an organization whose goal is to educate the public. They have habitat building projects and sell milkweed garden kits. For more information, visit saveourmonarchs.org.
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