Wildlife Officials Move to List Monarch Butterflies as Threatened Species

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced on Tuesday plans to list monarch butterflies as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, marking a critical step in preserving the pollinators.

What Are Wildlife Officials Saying?

This decision follows years of advocacy by environmental groups alarmed by the butterfly's dwindling numbers, largely attributed to climate change and habitat loss.

Wildlife officials plan to add the monarchs, known for their distinctive orange-and-black wings and found across North America, to the threatened species list by the end of next year after an extensive public comment period over conservation efforts.