The migratory monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is one of the most iconic pollinators in North America, known for its remarkable migration spanning across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. However, the eastern and western monarch populations have significantly declined over the past few decades, facing many threats such as habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and climate change. Various entities and individuals across North America are taking measures to conserve and protect this species and ensure the continuation of its incredible migratory phenomenon.
Migratory Monarch Status At a Glance
Status in the United States: Warranted but precluded
The monarch butterfly's legal status has been discussed for many years, given the ongoing threats to its population. Here’s a breakdown of its current protections:
Endangered Species Act (ESA): In December 2020, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced that while monarch butterflies warrant protection under the ESA, they were precluded by higher-priority listings. This status is referred to as “warranted but precluded,” meaning monarchs are a candidate for protection but not officially listed. The monarch’s listing status is scheduled to be reviewed by the end of 2024.
Conservation Efforts: Regardless of its ESA listing status, the U.S. government, non-profits, private businesses, organizations, and individuals continue contributing to monarch conservation through proactive voluntary habitat conservation initiatives, scientific research, and public awareness campaigns.
Status in Canada: Endangered
In Canada, the migratory monarch butterfly receives protection under national and provincial laws:
Species at Risk Act (SARA): As of December 8, 2023, monarchs are listed as "Endangered" under Canada’s Species at Risk Act. This designation reflects the species’ significant decline and provides legal protection for individuals and their habitats in Canada. Efforts are being made to restore milkweed and other essential breeding habitats for monarchs across the country. However, these protections only apply to lands governed by the Federal government. A proposed recovery plan will be released for public review and comment for a limited period of time in December 2024.
Provincial Protections: Several provinces, including Ontario and Quebec, have also designated the monarch as a species at risk under their respective provincial Species at Risk Acts, reinforcing the need for habitat protection and restoration at the regional level. Depending on the province, monarchs have been designated from being a species of “Special Concern” to “Endangered”. Some provinces have removed milkweeds from their provincial “Noxious Weeds” lists.
Status in Mexico: Special Protection
As the primary overwintering destination for the eastern populations of North American monarchs, Mexico plays a vital role in their conservation:
Biosphere Reserve: Monarch butterflies are legally protected in Mexico’s Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the states of Michoacán and Mexico. This reserve provides essential protection for the oyamel fir forests where monarchs overwinter in large numbers. The Reserve was first established in 1986 and expanded in 2000.
National Legal Protections: Monarchs are also listed as a species of special protection under Mexican law, which helps safeguard their overwintering sites from illegal logging and other threats. The Mexican government and local communities actively work to protect and reforest the sanctuaries crucial to the monarch life cycle.
International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN): Vulnerable
On an international level, monarch butterflies are recognized for their ecological importance and the pressing need for conservation:
IUCN Red List: As of December 2023, the migratory monarch butterfly is classified as "Vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). While this global status does not provide legal protections, it underscores the need for collaborative conservation efforts across North America. This IUCN decision is specific to migratory populations rather than the species as a whole.
The information on this page was last updated on November 25, 2024.
