Millions of Monarch Butterflies are in danger

Monarch butterflies seem to be in danger more than ever. Scientists from Illinois saw the monarchs starting their migrations from Canada to Mexico, but the numbers were very low. This happened due to storms that affected the area where the butterflies were living.  The snow damaged their habitat and it was difficult for them to survive.

• Monarch butterflies are in danger because their habitat was damaged.
• Many organizations are trying to find solutions to help the butterflies and make safer areas for them.

According to Doug Taron, who is a member of Chicago Academy of Sciences, the monarch butterflies were the second or the third most common species, but this year they had managed to be only the seventh. Moreover, this year had the lowest number of monarchs ever seen in Mexico.  The World Wildlife Foundation said these butterflied had a habitat of 45 acres a few years ago. Last year they had only 9.9 acres. Humans are also responsible for this situation because the farmers are using herbicides that kill the butterflies.

The authorities are trying to do their best to help the monarch butterflies. There are organizations who said that they will focus on improving the health of 12 species that are endangered and monarchs are one of them. These butterflies have to make a long journey and they are vulnerable to many threats. The plants on wich they can lay eggs on are milkweed plants. Unfortunately, these plants are damaged by the herbicide people are using on fields.

The good news is that the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation said they will use more than 3 million dollars to restore the habitat monarchs need to survive. Of course, all of us can be involved in this action. All you have to do is to buy milkweed seeds  and plant them in your garden, and the butterflies will have more chances.

Another problem is that forests are the only areas that protect these butterflies during winter. People are cutting down the trees and this way monarchs are not able to have a safe place during cold days.  Although there are laws that do not allow people to cut down the trees, some of them still find a way to do this.

Image source: Flickr.com