From GlobeNewswire: 2024-11-20 09:00:00

A team of scientists from NatureServe has identified migratory habitats essential to western monarch butterflies, revealing that over half of suitable habitat lies on private lands. This emphasizes the need for coordinated conservation efforts that engage private landowners to protect this iconic species.

New research focused on western monarch butterflies addresses a critical gap in understanding where conservation efforts would be most effective. The study provides detailed insights into the butterfly’s migratory patterns and habitat needs, aiding land management decisions for federal, state, and private entities.

The study’s findings reveal that environmental predictors of habitat suitability vary with the seasons, reflecting the monarch butterfly’s lifecycle. Climate, milkweed abundance, nectar availability, and water deficit all play crucial roles in determining suitable habitat for the butterflies.

The implications of these findings provide a practical guide for land managers to take conservation actions at crucial times and places. The study contributes to global efforts to conserve biodiversity and aligns with the BLM’s new Public Lands Rule, supporting conservation efforts for at-risk species like the western monarch butterfly.

This research highlights the importance of collaborative conservation efforts to protect western monarch butterfly habitats. By providing detailed, actionable information, conservation practitioners can make informed decisions to help reverse the decline of this iconic species. Ongoing research and monitoring are encouraged to assess monarch use of lands before enhancements.



Read more at GlobeNewswire: Monarch Migration and the Paradox of Land Stewardship