Changing Environment Means Fewer Monarch Butterflies Are Becoming 'Snowbirds' PBS NewsHour
go to original December 26, 2013

Monarch butterflies migrate to warmer regions each winter, but in recent years Mexico has seen far fewer monarch arrivals. Environmental changes have eliminated the butterflies' sources of food and shelter along the way. Independent video journalist Ross Velton reports on efforts to help monarchs survive their journey south. (PBS.org)

First, it was disappearing bees. Now, it appears that monarch butterflies are suffering a decline.

When the chill of winter comes, monarch butterflies with their fragile stained glass-patterned wings travel up to 3,000 miles from the continental United States to their favorite spots to hibernate: the dense tree cover of central Mexico's Oyamel firs and the warmth of southern California.

But researchers have noticed the number of monarch butterflies flocking to central Mexico in winter has been creeping downward over the past 20 years. Logging of Oyamel trees, colder and wetter winters, and the destruction of milkweed - which feed larvae - in the United States are some of the reasons cited.

Some people have taken matters into their own hands to try to aid the irresistible creatures and planted milkweed and fragrant nectar-producing flowers in their yards and widow boxes. Learn how to grow a butterfly garden.

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