Monarch butterflies under protection: This is how Austria fights for the butterfly!

Monarch butterflies under protection: This is how Austria fights for the butterfly!

The monarch butterfly, a majestic animal of nature, is on the verge of extinction! After decades of warnings from environmentalists, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has now decided: the iconic butterfly will be added to the endangered species list from the end of 2025. “The monarch butterfly is valued throughout North America and fascinates children and adults,” said Martha Williams, FWS director. But the drastic reduction in the population – from ten million monarch butterflies in Europe to just 2,000 – is forcing rapid action. The main causes are the loss of habitat, global warming and the use of herbicides, which endanger the milkweed plants that are vital for the caterpillars today.at analyzed.

The impressive life cycle

The monarch butterfly is known for its striking orange wings and remarkable journey of thousands of kilometers. Whether as a newly hatched butterfly or a caterpillar, the animals make it clear to their predators that they are inedible thanks to the toxins they absorb from their special food plants. Their last generation of the year is particularly strong and fully prepared for the long journey south to California or Mexico. This hike is a masterpiece of nature, sometimes covering up to 330 kilometers in a day! Surprisingly, it is still a mystery how the butterflies manage this incredible orientation over such long distances. Researchers have discovered that, among other things, they orientate themselves by the sun, which makes their navigation much easier. But like many insects, they are threatened by the destruction of their habitats in their summer and wintering areas in the USA and Mexico Planet know reported.

The impending threat to monarch folds from climate change, agriculture and the destruction of its habitats raises the question of the future of this fascinating insect. From the FWS, threatened species such as the monarchfalter now receive comprehensive protection, which is to prevent further reduction and death of these butterflies. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether these measures are sufficient to ensure the survival of these species -protecting miracles.