(by Vanessa Johnson)

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed protecting monarch butterflies as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, responding to years of advocacy by conservation groups, like NH Audubon. This proposal, if finalized, would provide protections for monarchs, a recovery plan, and funding to restore their habitat. Factors driving their decline include habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. The decision is part of a broader effort to prevent extinction, as monarchs are already considered endangered in Canada and of special concern in Mexico.

For more details on this proposed protection, refer to the full USFWS press release. Public input is highly encouraged.