Eastern monarch butterflies may be doomed

[Bayard]

http://www.courier-journal.com/story/tech/science/environment/2016/03/21/eastern-monarch-butterflies-may-doomed/82072636/

Restoring native habitat could reverse the monarch butterfly's downward population trend, scientists say.

Without help, Eastern monarch butterflies will go extinct in the coming decades, according to a newly published study. U.S. Geological Survey and Scripps Institute of Oceanography scientists calculate a substantial chance - between 11 percent and 57 percent - of what they called "quasi-extinction" by 2036. That means a population so small that recovery becomes impossible.


I'm planting two different types of milkweed in the garden this year.

[redstatebluegirl]

1. This is so very sad.

I have been planting milkweeds in my garden for a number of years. I love watching the butterflies in my garden. What is also very scary is the lack of bees. I have a lot of flowers in my garden so I have a few of them but not as many as years ago. Without them we don't have any food.

[peace13]

2. My best to you for a fine crop!

These guys need all of the help they can get. We are lucky that it grows naturally in our field. When you see the leaves being munched you'll know it was a success! Enjoy!

[2naSalit]

3. Thank you for planting some milkweed!

I grew up in northern NE and always enjoyed watching the monarchs' life cycle. It was one of the first science class topics kids encountered in grade school back then.

I wish humans could respect the natural world, seems we only put energy forth to control it instead which leads to destruction.

[CrispyQ]

4. Hey, it's all about the humans, baby!

Who cares if we upset the balance & make our planet uninhabitable for ourselves & other species. We have a big brain & it will save us. At least, that's what I read on DU.

Years ago I read a sci fi story the premise of which was that aliens put humanity into servitude to the rest of the galaxy because of the horrendous way we treated our fellow Earth inhabitants. "Those who will not share, will serve."