Media Contacts
Steve Blackledge
Senior Director, Conservation America Campaign, Environment America
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) proposed on Tuesday new protections for the monarch butterfly. If the agency finalizes and approves that proposal, it will list the monarch as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. In December 2020, the agency determined that listing the monarch was “warranted but precluded” due to “higher priority” species and actions.
Western monarch populations, which live west of the Rockies and winter in California, have declined by more than 90% since the 1980s. Eastern monarch populations, which live east of the Rockies and winter in Mexico, have declined by approximately 80%. Habitat loss, the decline of a key food — milkweed — and pesticide overuse have contributed to their dwindling numbers.
The announcement provides hope for the monarch and its admirers. The 50-year old Endangered Species Act has a proven track record of saving 99% of protected species from extinction.
In response to the FWS announcement, Steve Blackledge, Sr. Director of Conservation Campaigns for Environment America, issued the following statement:
“For too long, the monarch butterfly has been waiting in line, hoping for new protections while its population has plummeted. This announcement by the Fish and Wildlife Service gets this iconic flier closer to the protections it needs, and given its staggering drop in numbers, that can’t happen soon enough.
“Generations of Americans have been blessed to watch this insect float and flutter in their backyards. This news gives us hope that generations to come also will marvel at this distinctive and wonderful butterfly.”
