Monarchs are not going extinct – they can adapt and sustain their populations

It also bears noting that even if the two migratory populations of monarch butterflies in North America are eventually lost, the species as a whole will not go extinct, because there are many other monarch populations around the world. IUCN lists 21 countries worldwide where monarchs have self-sustaining populations. In fact, given the abundance of monarchs globally, the IUCN has designated the species as a whole as being of least concern in terms of extinction risk. Furthermore, monarchs have demonstrated that they can adapt to our changing world by developing new populations and lifestyles. For example, in south Florida, some previously migratory monarchs have become full time residents as people have locally introduced tropical milkweed species that provide year-round caterpillar food. Moreover, descendants of the North American monarchs have established new populations in places like Australia and Hawaii, and they may be expanding into Europe and Africa. Personally, I take some comfort in knowing that there’s still time to save the migratory monarch populations in North America. I hope to continue to celebrate their arrival each year and even raise the occasional caterpillar to a butterfly. But it is also important not to lose sight of the fact that monarchs as a species are not heading toward extinction. Instead, they’re survivors, showcasing the impressive abilities that many species have to adapt in a human-dominated and changing world.