Monarch butterflies could be added to the federal Endangered Species list, with a final decision anticipated by the end of the year.
Eastern monarch populations, which migrate through Florida, have seen an 80% decline between the 1980s and 2020. Western monarchs have experienced an even sharper drop, with their numbers decreasing by 90%.
Environmental groups first petitioned for monarchs to be listed as threatened in 2014, and in 2020, the species was designated as a candidate for federal protection.
Rebeca Quinonez-Pinon, a monarch recovery strategist and director of climate-resilient habitats for the National Wildlife Federation, highlighted the numerous threats to monarch butterflies.
“The primary threats are habitat loss and fragmentation, climate change, and the excessive use of pesticides,” Quinonez-Pinon explained.
She described monarchs as a “canary in the coal mine” for pollinators and Florida’s ecosystem, serving as a warning sign that urgent action is needed to protect the environment.
Other pollinators in Florida face similar risks. Several bumblebee species, including the Southern Plains bumblebee, are experiencing population declines, with a dozen species currently being considered for Endangered Species Act protection.
How Floridians Can Help
Home gardeners in Florida can play a vital role in supporting monarch populations by planting native species like milkweed and goldenrod. Milkweed is particularly crucial, as it is the only plant monarch caterpillars can eat and depend on for survival.
Mary Phillips, who oversees native plant habitat strategies and gardening programs at the National Wildlife Federation, emphasized the importance of proper gardening practices.
“Caterpillars are often drawn to younger milkweed stocks,” said Phillips. “Focus on maintaining healthy, native milkweed plants. Don’t worry about natural predators or milkweed bugs – they’re part of the ecosystem.”
She also warned against the use of garden or systemic pesticides, which can harm monarchs and other pollinators.
Efforts to protect pollinators are increasing across Florida, with campaigns aimed at reducing pesticide use and raising awareness of the importance of bees and butterflies to the state’s ecosystems. These steps are critical to ensuring the survival of monarchs and other pollinators essential to Florida’s environment.
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