Vanishing Treasures
In the past few years, this beautiful insect has become a much rarer sight.
Unbeknownst to most people, the eastern monarch population had drastically declined by 80% since 1996.
The western monarch population (limited to California) has declined by 97 PERCENT since 1996.
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Many scientists predict, if current trends continue, the decline will become irreversible in twenty more years.
This has been caused primarily by the destruction of milkweed.
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Contrary to the name, milkweed is actually not an invasive weed. It is a family of 100+ species of wildflowers native to North and South America. Starting in the early 1990s, the increased use of genetically modified crops (see graph above) allowed Midwestern farmers to spray whole field with pesticides without fear of injuring crops, killing the milkweed that once grew between the rows of corn and soybean.
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The chemical treatment of grass lawns in urban and suburban areas has caused a similar reduction in milkweed in heavily-populated areas like Chicagoland.
Why Should You Care?
Ecology:
Monarchs are essential pollinators of Midwestern flowers. Pollinators help produce at least 35% of the world's crops and 90% of the world's flowering plants. Everything is connected. The loss of one pollinator can bring disaster upon whole plant species and, thus, entire ecosystems
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Scientific Value:
Research into monarch's unique anatomy, metamorphosis, symbiotic relationship with milkweed, and extraordinary migratory patterns provide immeasurable insight for scientists and solutions to unforeseen problems. That research cannot be done without a living population.
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National Pride:
For millions of Americans, the monarch is the quintessential symbol of summer, prairie conservation, and the wildlife that existed in Pre-Columbian North America. The monarch is the state insect of at least seven U.S. states, and is considered a national symbol of cultural pride and heritage for all of Mexico.
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Fortunately, it is not too late to stop this decline
Concerned citizens like YOU have the power to save this amazing insect by planting milkweed and other native flowers!