Impact of Climate Change on Monarch Butterfly

Research by WWF shows that the monarch population in the coast of California has already dropped by half from the previous number. Furthermore, the research shows that 165 million acres of the monarch habitat remained occupied for the last 20 years. The species is further endangered by the adverse effects on their breeding grounds which as reduced by 30%. This study evaluates the impacts of climate change on monarch butterflies. Monarch butterfly distribution Monarch butterflies have their habitat in the American continents. A migrating monarch lasts for about nine months. Diet The larvae feed on the 27 different species of milkweed found in North America. Milkweed is grown in gardens. The adult butterfly feeds on nectar obtained from a variety of plants. The nectar is then converted to lipids thus becoming a source of food during winter.

The incident is proved by the resent delayed migration of the insects. Furthermore, the increasing incidence of extreme weather condition like storms contributes to the decline of hyphenating butterflies in Mexico. Furthermore, hot weather is mortal to the laver hence reducing the rate of reproduction. There is an indication that continues change in the climate might lead to monarch butterfly’s family becoming extinct. Also, the growth of milkweed is affected by the rising temperatures hence damaging the monarch butterflies' habitat. The other treat to the milkweed survival includes reforestation, use of insecticide, and clearing roadsides. Degradation of Hibernating Habitat Monarch butterflies hypernets in the conifer forest. The forest has to be mature to cover the insects from the cold, storm, and maintain a cool temperature thus able to convert the stored lipids.

Deforestation endangers the species in Mexico. Additionally, urban development in California threated the existence of the butterflies, (Stoutenborough et al. Furthermore, the insect aid in the farm in that they facelifted pollination. Research by scholars indicates that 75 percent of food groups depend on insect pollination. Moreover, studies show that agricultural production depends on pollination 300 times than production of other crops. Hence, monarch butterflies are a contributing factor to the production of food. Monarch butterflies are also essential in weather and climate change prediction. Monarch Watch is an organization that supplies the milkweed's seeds. Deferent type of milkweed can survive in a different environment. For instance, butterfly weed does well in well-drained soil in full sun, and it is not affected by drought.

Another type of milkweed is called the swamp. It grows on weed soil and requires enough sunlight. Controlling of the pest can happen naturally hence letting birds stay in the field will feed on the best thus applying the non-toxic pesticide. One person cannot archive good results if they do not get support from others. Therefore, there is a need to mobilize the globe to conserve the monarch habitat. Fight climate change is another stapes towards the conservation of the butterflies. Climate change changes the migration of the insects since they depend on temperatures to start migrating. "Coldness Triggers Northward Flight In Remigrant Monarch Butterflies".  Current Biology, vol 23, no. 5, 2013, pp.  Elsevier Li, Yiwen et al. "Variation In Forewing Size Linked To Migratory Status In Monarch Butterflies".