Monarch butterflies to be added to threatened species list in the US

Summary

The US Fish and Wildlife Service announced plans to list monarch butterflies as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act by the end of 2025, citing declining populations due to climate change, agricultural expansion, and milkweed loss.

Monarchs have seen dramatic declines, including a 59% decrease in overwintering area in Mexico last year and an 81% drop along California’s coast over 25 years.

Protections would include habitat preservation and limits on land-use changes but allow educational uses and some incidental impacts.

A public comment period is now open.