Breaking Down the Monarch Butterfly’s Proposed Listing
On December 11, 2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) proposed listing the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) as Threatened with a 4(d) Rule and designated critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Monarch butterfly by Robb Hannawacker, 2024.
Background:
The monarch butterfly was formally petitioned for ESA listing in 2014, triggering a review of its ecology, population trends, and threats, as well as conservation actions and their impacts. Eastern and western monarch populations in North America have declined by over 90% since the 1990s largely due to habitat loss, insecticides, and climate change. In 2020, the USFWS deemed a listing “warranted but precluded” by higher-priority species, designating the monarch as a “candidate for listing.” A follow-up decision was scheduled for December 2024, with experts anticipating this proposed listing. The Utah Rare Insect Conservation Program at Utah State University has systematically evaluated Utah monarch populations and habitat since 2019.
How does the monarch listing affect Utah?
Utah plays a critical role in supporting the western monarch butterfly population, particularly during its spring migration and summer breeding season (April–September) and fall migration (October–November) towards the Pacific Coast. Wetlands and riparian habitats across the state, especially in river valleys along the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains, provide essential breeding and migratory resources like milkweed and nectar plants. Community science efforts, such as Utah Pollinator Pursuit, have documented monarchs in every county in Utah, contributing valuable data for conservation planning.
Private Landowners’ Role in Conservation
A significant portion of monarch habitat in the western U.S. is on privately-owned land. While federal agencies manage around 12% of key spring habitat and 24% of fall migratory habitat, more than 85% of spring and 70% of fall habitats are on private land. In Utah, nearly 64% of land is held federally, but around half of Utah’s vegetated wetlands are privately owned. This highlights the need for coordinated conservation efforts with private landowners, especially in agricultural river valleys that serve as critical migratory pathways. Federal efforts alone cannot recover the monarch population, making private landowner engagement essential.
Broader Context for Utah and the U.S.
Unlike listed vertebrate wildlife species, listed insects such as monarchs are considered across their entire range, meaning all 48 contiguous states, including Utah, could be impacted by conservation requirements. However, the practical implications for private landowners are limited to projects involving federal agencies or funding. Monarch conservation in Utah will rely heavily on voluntary collaboration with private landowners and local partners to maintain and restore vital breeding and migratory habitats.
What can Utahns do to help monarchs?
Monarch recovery efforts have been ongoing at many scales – internationally, at state and regional levels, and through community organization – but greater awareness and action are necessary to restore habitat and conserve the migratory behavior that ensures the continued survival and diversity of monarch populations. Utah stakeholders can take action to support and protect western monarchs in breeding and migratory zones. Utah state code does not define insects as wildlife, so no state agency has management authority to make or enforce rules regarding monarch conservation.
Refer to these USFWS-issued recommended management strategies and timing windows to provide benefits for monarchs and minimize impacts from management activities on key monarch habitat.
Plant diverse, native plants, including milkweed species, to support monarchs and other native insect pollinator populations.
Use only native, insecticide-free plants for habitat restoration and enhancement actions, and urge local and commercial nurseries to carry regionally native species that do not use systemic pesticides. Reduce or eliminate your use of insecticides, and try to incorporate habitat for beneficial insects into your garden.
Aim for ~50% shade cover in landscaping to mitigate high summer temperatures and provide shelter to resting monarchs.
Participate in voluntary conservation initiatives and community science projects like Utah Pollinator Pursuit and the Utah Pollinator Habitat Program, and support conservation organizations who are dedicated to monarch and pollinator health and recovery.
Communicate with your representatives to support taking action that supports monarchs and other native insect pollinators.
Prepared by Amanda Barth, Rare Insect Conservation Coordinator with Utah State University, for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Utah Department of Natural Resources.
For additional information, contact: abarth@utah.gov
We’re thrilled to put years of valuable pollinator data to action in 2025! Thanks to a grant awarded from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, we will be working with private landowners to create pollinator habitat across Northern Utah. To stay up to date on opportunities to get involved, be sure to sign up for Utah Pollinator Pursuit project newsletters.