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One of the most unique species of insects is in trouble, so the fight continues for Monarch butterflies and the attempts to encourage their continued survival, and save them from extinction. Multiple organizations have gotten involved, along with conservation groups and farmers.
The Winnebago County Conservation Board, in fact, will be hosting the annual Monarch Tagging program on September 4th, which will help scientists keep track and properly asses the insects’ astounding journey each year.
It could help better understand their habits, migration and reproductive process when they travel amazingly long distances, for such small creatures. The average Monarch butterfly migrates for over 2,000 miles each year, from the United States and Canada, to their wintering grounds in sunny Mexico.
The phenomenon has led to many questions as to how these delicate and small butterflies have such powerful flying capabilities, especially since their needs are unique themselves. They require the open fields of North America for reproduction, and then must travel all the way to the forests of Mexico in order to survive the winter.
By tagging them, it might provide ample more information about their habits and more measures to be taken that will help save these beautiful insects. With each tagged butterfly, it will aid scientists in gaining more knowledge about where they go, how they use their environment and how they adapt to the climate changes between their two locations.
The public is invited to take part in the tagging, or simply participate in the talk about conserving the Monarch butterflies. It has not been the first time the population was eagerly awaited to have their say and lend a hand in preserving the delicate creatures.
Farmers are now encouraged to plant milkweeds across their land, and according to the Conservation Stewardship Program, they will receive compensation if their conservation efforts bear fruit, or at least show enthusiastic attempt. It’s an offer made available for farmers all across the United States who wish to participate.
Milkweeds are the pillar upon which the Monarch butterfly survives. They are the place where their eggs are laid, and provide nutrition for their caterpillars. It has been previously encouraged to be planted along highways, far away from crops or other vegetation.
Suburban houses have also been prompted to do what they can in planting this highly crucial plant, though they are warned that while their benefits are potentially lifesaving to Monarch butterflies, they are a peril to your garden plants.
Gardeners and those who want to participate must make sure to pick a proper spot to plant milkweeds that will help the Monarch butterfly, but will also not harm their own backyard.
Image source: nationofchange.org
