As monarch butterflies face extinction, U.S. wildlife officials opt not to protect them

[TexasTowelie]

Despite being perilously close to extinction, monarch butterflies will not receive federal protection because 161 other species are a higher priority, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced last week.

“We conducted an intensive, thorough review using a rigorous, transparent science-based process and found that the monarch meets listing criteria under the Endangered Species Act. However, before we can propose listing, we must focus resources on our higher-priority listing actions,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Aurelia Skipwith in a news release.

The announcement highlights the severity of the ongoing extinction crisis, said Sarina Jepsen, the director of endangered species and aquatic programs for the Portland-based Xerces Society. The Xerces Society is a nonprofit environmental organization that focuses on the conservation of invertebrates. It is named after the first butterfly to go extinct due to human activity in North America.

“I think this really underscores how poorly funded the Fish and Wildlife Service is for the job they have in this age where we have so many species of animals and plants facing extinction,” she said.

Read more: https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/environment/article247896665.html

[c-rational]

1. To confirm I just googled...% of wildlife lost in the last 40 years - 52%. We know not what we

are doing. These losses are at our own peril.

[Faux pas]

2. Kickin'

with

[Kittycow]

3. I can't believe it... monarch butterflies??

They were everywhere when I was growing up in Oregon in the olden days.

Wow.

ETA: I guess planting a butterfly garden helps? Our front yard is left natural anyway. It's hard for my arthritic ass to plant stuff but I'll make my husband help me. I can get the plants mail order.

[Wicked Blue]

6. I bought a packet of wildflower seeds selected to attract butterflies

a couple of years ago at some big home improvement store. Flung them out into a former vegetable bed. The plants grew nicely, and they do attract butterflies. That might be easier on your arthritis than digging and planting.

The few Monarchs we've seen over the summer prefer the purple buddleia (butterfly bush) we've had for years. They have also visited the orange butterfly weed (orange milkweed) that I planted a couple of years ago. I try to use butterfly- and bee-friendly plants as much as possible.

[Kittycow]

9. That's a good idea about the seeds!

[underpants]

4. We used to have a neighbor who had an official sanctuary

This is amazing that in my daughters lifetime Monarch butterflies could end.

[Bayard]

5. There are a number of rescue groups for Monarchs

We donate to this one:
https://www.saveourmonarchs.org/

It certainly doesn't help that trump plowed through a critical butterfly sanctuary for his goddamn wall.

[Tech]

7. We kept milkweed in our yard. Our daughter bought our house and has kept up the milkweed.

It is a host plant for monarchs.

[Midnight Writer]

8. I live near a monarch migration path. It is amazing to see. Monarchs for miles.