
RESTON — Monarch butterflies could soon be added to the federal Endangered Species list, with a decision expected by year’s end.
Eastern monarchs, which migrate through Virginia, experienced an 80% population decline between the 1980s and 2020.
Their western counterparts have seen an even steeper drop of 90%.
Environmental groups first petitioned to list the monarch as threatened in 2014, and the species was designated a candidate in 2020.
Rebeca Quinonez-Pinon, monarch recovery strategist and climate resilient habitats director with the National Wildlife Federation, said monarch butterflies face numerous threats.
“Well, the main threats that we have identified for the monarch butterfly are habitat loss and fragmentation of the remaining habitats,” said Quinonez-Pinon. “Climate change is at the top of the list, definitely, and the excessive use of pesticides.”
She described monarch butterflies as a “canary in the coal mine” for pollinators, and Virginia’s ecosystem — a critical warning that more action is needed to protect the environment.
Several species of bumblebees, also facing the same threats as monarchs, and the Bethany Beach firefly are candidates for protection under the Endangered Species Act.
Virginia home gardeners can play a vital role in supporting monarch butterfly populations. by planting native milkweed and goldenrod — which are essential for the species.
Milkweed is the sole plant monarch caterpillars rely on for survival.
However, Mary Phillips — head of native plant habitat strategy and gardening programs with the federation — cautioned that some common mistakes can hinder efforts to help monarchs thrive.
“We’ve seen studies where caterpillars are drawn to newer, younger stocks of milkweed,” said Phillips. “That will help you continue that caterpillar cultivation and don’t worry if you see the various predators. There’s also a milkweed bug that sometimes goes on these plants. People get nervous about that. It’s OK, it’s natural.”
She noted that using garden or systemic pesticides can harm monarchs and should be avoided.
In Virginia, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services studied the Beekeeper Pollinator Protection Plan and voluntary best management practices, to improve communication between beekeepers and pesticide applicators.
The goal was to reduce risks to pollinators from neonicotinoid pesticides.
The study was completed in December 2021.
While it provided recommendations, its implementation highlights the ongoing need for greater awareness and action to protect pollinators such as bees and butterflies across the state.