Western monarchs in steep decline

Concerted conservation actions needed to save species Staff Report Monarch butterflies in the western U.S. have declined even more dramatically than believed, putting the population at risk of extinction, according to new research. In As recently as the 1980s, about 10 million monarchs over-wintered in coastal California, but today that’s down to about 300,000, said

Milkweed shortage not the only reason for monarch decline

‘We have to get the science right’ Staff Report The decline of milkweed may not be the main factor driving monarch butterflies toward oblivion, according to a new study by Cornell University scientists. Weather, habitat fragmentation and dwindling sources of nectar in the autumn are also critical, the new study reports. “Thanks to years of

Scientists once again warn of monarch butterfly extinction risk

a new study led by scientists with theU.S. Geological Survey and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego warns that the eastern population of monarch butterflies could become extinct within a few decades.

Biodiversity: Monarchs bounce back, still need help

Population still near historic lows Staff Report FRISCO — Monarch butterfly populations may have rebounded a bit this year, according to the annual overwintering count, but the species is still going to need help to recover, conservation advocates say, urging the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to give the colorful insects Endangered Species Act protection.

Environment: Saving monarch butterflies won’t be easy

Dwindling populations spur formal review by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Staff Report FRISCO — Federal biologists said last week they’ll start an in-depth one year review to determine whether monarch butterflies should be listed under the Endangered Species Act. The formal status review comes in response to a petition from conservation groups claiming the

Biodiversity: Endangered species protection sought for dwindling monarch butterflies

Pesticides, habitat loss and GMO crops seen as main threats Staff Report FRISCO —As monarch butterfly populations dwindle to unprecedented low levels, activists say the colorful and far-ranging insects need protection of the Endangered Species Act to survive. In a formal listing petition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a coalition of advocacy groups

Study: Americans willing to pay for monarch butterfly conservation

Changes in gardening habits could help protect a cherished species By Summit Voice FRISCO — Americans be willing to pony up for Monarch butterfly conservation, according to a new study that links conservation and economic values. The research, conducted by scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey. Colorado State University and the University of Minnesota, suggests

Biodiversity: Monarch butterflies in steep decline

GMO crops blamed for significant 10-year drop in population numbers By Summit Voice SUMMIT COUNTY —A decades-long downward trend in Monarch butterfly numbers is expected to continue this year, with reports from the World Wildlife Fund and other sources indicating there may be almost one-third fewer butterflies making the northward flight from Mexico this spring