Obama Administration plans to Establish Butterfly Corridor to protect Monarch Butterfly

Earlier, the Obama administration revealed its plan that could help the declining population of honeybees and monarch butterfly. According to the plan, a 1,500-mile butterfly corridor will be established along US Interstate 35 that connects Minnesota and Texas.

According to some earlier reports, the population of North American monarch, which is known for its annual migration from Canada to Mexico, has declined about 90% in the last two decades. The decline suggested the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to consider listing monarch butterfly as an endangered species.

The population of the iconic butterfly was measured north of Mexico City in oyamel fir forests, where the insect spends winter. Experts noted that over past few years, the butterflies covered the area equal to two football fields. During healthy years, they used to cover an area equal to 15 football fields.

As per the reports, monarch butterflies need some nourishment during their long voyage of migration that starts from Mexico. In past few years, experts have noted that absence of milkweed and nectar-producing plants along the butterflies’ migration route declined their population. In the absence of milkweed, the butterflies cannot lay their eggs.

According to the Obama administration’s new plan, interstate-35, which bisects the US along one of the monarchs' natural migration routes, will be made a perfect area to set up a butterfly highway. The Xerces Foundation has partnered with the Federal Highway Administration for roadside management.

Scott Black, executive director of Xerces Foundation for Invertebrate Conservation, said, “The idea is to use it as this iconic pathway to work with schools, farmers, ranchers, and park districts to improve habitats for 50 to 100 miles on either side of the I-35 corridor”. According to Black, migratory habitats in the country could improve the butterfly’s ability to adapt to changes in future.