Wildlife Officials Propose Listing Monarch Butterfly as Endangered Species

Major populations of the colorful insect in the United States have declined by 80 to 95 percent.

A monarch butterfly perches on a flower. Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images

Federal wildlife officials are proposing to place the monarch butterfly on the endangered species list to promote public awareness and recovery efforts as the population continues to decline.

“The iconic monarch butterfly is cherished across North America, captivating children and adults throughout its fascinating lifecycle,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Director Martha Williams. “Despite its fragility, it is remarkably resilient, like many things in nature when we just give them a chance.”