Monarch butterfly migration underway across North America

Monarch butterfly populations are currently undergoing their annual migration from summer breeding grounds in Canada toward overwintering sites in Mexico. In Saskatchewan, researchers have noted unusually high numbers of the endangered species, providing a significant opportunity for conservation studies.

Ecologists, including Tyler Flockhart, are using tiny tags to track individual butterflies in real time. This data helps scientists identify critical conservation areas and understand how the Prairies function as a vital corridor during the journey, which can involve traveling up to 100 miles per day.

Conservationists emphasize the importance of native milkweed, the sole host plant for monarch caterpillars, to combat habitat loss in grasslands and prairies. Planting native species such as common, swamp, butterfly, and poke milkweed is recommended to create waystations for the insects.