The western monarch population, “which breeds west of the Rockies and winters on the California coast”, has declined by more than 95% since the 1980’s, states Xerces Society. Their numbers are dangerously low with an estimated 12,260 monarchs remaining.
The major threats these critically endangered butterflies face are habitat loss – including the decline of milkweed which is also used as breeding habitat-, pesticides, and climate change which has resulted in more severe droughts in the West.
Just like their population, their habitat is quickly disappearing.
Places like the South Puget Sound lowlands which was once comprised of 150,000 acres of open grasslands, wildflowers, and oak woodland.
Today, less than 3% of that landscape remains, reduced to scattered fragments by development, habitat fragmentation, and invasive species pressure driven by the rapid expansion of the greater Seattle metro region.
Of the prairie that remains, only 1% is considered to be in good ecological condition. This region could be home to vital pollinators like monarchs and one of North America’s most endangered butterflies – The Taylor’s Checkerspot.
These vital pollinators are in desperate need of milkweed and native flowers and a safe place to land. 85% of flowering plants require pollinators to reproduce. Pollinator health and prairie restoration are inseparable
That’s where you can help.
With your support, Greater Good Charities will work with established conservation partners to provide native seed propagation, prairie restoration, invasive removal, and habitat enhancement.
Help save what’s left of the Puget Prairie. Donate today!
