MaryAnn Lepp is thrilled by the surge of monarch butterflies undergoing their remarkable transformation in her garden. She observed 20 caterpillars feasting on her swamp milkweed in just one day this week. This phenomenon is being witnessed by numerous Canadian monarch enthusiasts who are noticing a significant increase in backyard milkweed patches thriving amidst the wet and hot conditions in parts of the Prairie this summer.
Expressing her excitement, Lepp shared, “This is chrysalis No. 2… I’m so excited.” She mentioned that this year has seen a higher number of butterflies compared to previous years. While experts cannot definitively attribute the surge to the favorable weather, they acknowledge the abundance of anecdotal reports on caterpillars, chrysalises, and monarch butterflies as a positive sign for the federally endangered species.
Marika Olynyk, the curator of the Living Prairie Museum, remarked on the substantial presence of monarchs in Winnipeg this year. The museum, known for hosting various native plants that attract pollinators, including different milkweed species, recently concluded its annual monarch festival.
Despite the efforts of individuals like Lepp in planting milkweed and native wildflowers, these vital plants are not as abundant or widespread as they once were due to the conversion of native grasslands into farmland. Habitat loss remains the primary threat to monarchs, with the disappearance of tallgrass prairies across North America being a significant concern.
In response to calls for increased protection of monarchs, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada classified the species as endangered in 2016. The federal government followed suit in December 2023, making it illegal to harm or capture monarchs on federal lands at any developmental stage.
Monarch populations continue to be monitored through various methods, including counting the acres of trees covered with monarchs at their wintering grounds in Mexico. Despite conservation efforts and heightened awareness, monarch numbers are only at about half of the sustainable population level, indicating the ongoing challenges faced by the species.
Additionally, Laura Burns, the conservation programs manager at Assiniboine Park Zoo, highlighted the positive trends observed in the native prairie garden, including the potential recovery of the critically endangered Poweshiek skipperling butterfly. The zoo’s breeding and release programs aim to bolster the Poweshiek skipperling population, with promising signs of progress this summer.
As part of conservation initiatives, zoo staff will be attaching radio transmitters to monarch butterflies this fall to track their migration to Mexico. Dedicated enthusiasts like Lepp are committed to safeguarding the caterpillars and chrysalises under their care, emphasizing the importance of environmental preservation and fostering a harmonious relationship with nature.
The thriving butterfly populations in the Prairie region are a testament to the positive impact of conservation efforts and favorable weather conditions on these delicate species.