Monarch Butterflies: Navigating the Journey and Challenges Ahead
The dazzling Monarch butterfly, with its striking orange and black wings, embarks on an extensive migration each year, traveling from their winter havens in the south to as far north as Canada, and back. These butterflies passing through Arizona split into groups, with some journeying to Mexico and others heading towards California. The reasoning behind their chosen paths remains a mystery, as does the proportion of Monarchs that travel to each location.
Milkweed plants play a vital role in the survival of Monarchs. Female butterflies lay their eggs on nearly all of the forty milkweed species found in Arizona, offering a rich source of nourishment for the caterpillars. The caterpillars then transform into bright green pupae with golden spots, and upon emerging as adult butterflies, continue the long trek—a journey that spans multiple generations.
Despite their resilience, Monarch populations are dwindling at an alarming rate, primarily due to habitat destruction. In response, the US Fish and Wildlife Service is considering listing Monarchs as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
To address this pressing issue, the nonprofit organization Arizona Milkweeds for Monarchs engages students in active conservation efforts through an internship program at Northern Arizona University. This program includes activities such as tagging and releasing Monarchs to track their migration, cultivating milkweed plants, and developing pollinator gardens. A notable project is a new 50-acre pollinator garden at Rockin’ River Ranch State Park in Camp Verde.
This summer, interns will be planting milkweed across various locations, including the Willowbend Environmental Education Center and around Rogers Lake, aiming to plant 4,000 milkweed plants. These efforts are crucial in supporting Monarch butterflies on their formidable migrations.
—
Read More Arizona News
