Linda Loring Nature Foundation’s Species of the Week (August 1–7, 2022): The Monarch Butterfly’s distinction as Species of the Week is inspired by some recent events! 
Monarchs were the #1 observed insect in the July BioBlitz with the Nantucket Land Council! There were eight total observations, split evenly among caterpillars and adult butterflies seen. More BioBlitz results are on their way!
Monarchs have also been in the news, as the International Union for the Conservation of Nature has recently designated the Monarch Butterfly as endangered. This updated status doesn’t have any policy ramifications in the United States. However, the IUCN designation puts a spotlight on this insect, how imperiled it is, and the actions we need to take to recover it.
Monarch populations have declined by 70-90% in the last decade. The Monarch’s unique life cycle presents many conservation challenges, especially with climate change impacting their wintering grounds. The international migration of Monarchs requires that we cooperate on a large scale to protect and restore the habitat that Monarchs depend on.
The high-profile status of Monarchs also helps other, lesser-known species of butterflies and moths who depend on similar resources to survive.
To learn more about the Monarch’s life history, click here: https://llnf.org/speciesoftheweek