MaryAnn Lepp has observed a significant increase in the number of monarch butterflies undergoing their transformative stages in her garden. She was amazed to see 20 caterpillars feasting on her swamp milkweed in just one day this week. This phenomenon is being witnessed by numerous monarch enthusiasts across Canada, as backyard milkweed patches thrive under the wet and hot conditions in certain Prairie regions this summer.
Expressing her excitement, Lepp pointed out the emergence of a second chrysalis in her garden in La Broquerie, situated approximately 60 kilometers southeast of Winnipeg. She noted that the presence of butterflies this year has been notably higher compared to previous years.
While conservation experts cannot definitively attribute the surge to favorable weather conditions, enthusiasts are enthusiastically documenting the phenomenon on social media platforms like Manitoba Monarch Mission. The influx of reports regarding caterpillars, chrysalises, and monarch butterflies, renowned for their extensive migration from Canada to Mexico, signifies positive news for the federally endangered species.
Marika Olynyk, curator of the Living Prairie Museum, mentioned the abundant sightings of monarchs in Winnipeg this year, emphasizing the continuous presence of caterpillars, chrysalises, and butterflies throughout the summer. The museum’s tall grass prairie preserve, rich in native plants that attract pollinators, features various milkweed species that are favored by monarch butterflies for nectar.
Monarchs primarily feed on milkweed leaves during their caterpillar stage, showcasing their selective nature. Despite efforts by individuals like Lepp to cultivate milkweed and native wildflowers, these plants remain scarce compared to historical levels due to the conversion of native grasslands into farmlands. Habitat loss stands as the primary threat to monarch butterflies, with Olynyk stressing the critical importance of preserving their habitats.
The endangered status of monarchs prompted calls for regulatory upgrades, leading to their classification as endangered by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada in 2016. Subsequently, the federal government followed suit in December 2023, making it unlawful to harm or capture monarchs on federal lands at any stage of development.
To estimate the remaining monarch population, researchers rely on monitoring the acreage of trees covered by monarchs at their wintering grounds in Mexico. Olynyk highlighted that the current population is only at 50% of sustainability, underscoring the ongoing need for conservation efforts despite increased awareness and assistance.
In addition to monarchs, the Assiniboine Park Zoo’s native prairie garden has witnessed a rise in monarch numbers, with favorable conditions also benefiting the critically endangered Poweshiek skipperling butterfly. The zoo’s breeding and release programs aim to bolster the Poweshiek skipperling population, offering hope for its recovery amid extreme challenges.
Laura Burns, conservation programs manager at the zoo, emphasized the positive impact of conservation efforts on the Poweshiek skipperling population, indicating progress towards recovery. She noted that this year’s weather trends have likely benefitted not only monarchs and Poweshiek skipperlings but also other butterfly species.
Looking ahead, zoo staff will enhance their support for monarchs by affixing tiny radio transmitters to adults as part of a Canadian Wildlife Service initiative to track their southward migration to Mexico. Meanwhile, dedicated enthusiasts like Epp remain committed to safeguarding caterpillars and chrysalises under their care, ensuring these delicate creatures have the opportunity to thrive and take flight.
