A new study from University of Georgia researchers finds that warmer temperatures may make monarch butterflies more susceptible to parasites. Since monarch butterflies play a vital role in pollination, this could spell trouble for human food supplies.
What happened?
A recent study found that monarch butterflies exposed to higher temperatures had higher parasite rates.
Unfortunately, this parasitic infection can have serious consequences, including reduced wingspan, weight loss, and shortened lifespan. UGA Today adds that this also hinders the monarch butterfly’s ability to migrate.
According to the University of Georgia Today, milkweed produces a toxin that helps prevent parasites, but has no effect in high temperatures.
“Even monarch butterflies have limits. They can tolerate toxins to a certain extent, but there are side effects,” Sonia Altizer, the study’s lead author, told UGA Today.
Monarch butterflies exposed to high temperatures were 22% less resistant to infection, leading to more severe symptoms. The study also found that the parasite infected more butterflies at warmer temperatures.
Altizer added: “I think that might mean that a warmer world might be a worse world for monarchs.”
Why is the monarch’s health important?
Monarch butterflies are one of the most famous pollinators and often serve as conservation mascots. Monarch Joint Venture says their popularity may make the public more likely to protect them.
However, deforestation and rising temperatures have severely impacted monarch butterfly populations not only through parasites but also through habitat loss, according to the National Park Service.
If monarch butterflies die, it could signal a more serious problem for other insects and wildlife that share the same habitat. Friends of the Earth explains that if they become extinct, other pollinators may follow suit, which could impact human food supplies.
Butterflies are also a driver of tourism in some areas, such as the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Mexico, according to Emory University. The area relies on butterflies to attract visitors who want to see monarchs during the winter.
What measures are being taken to combat the decline in monarch butterfly numbers?
Although preventing parasites in monarch butterflies is complex, especially in the face of other looming threats such as pesticide use and worsening weather. Fortunately, there are ways to help.
For example, the Natural Resources Conservation Service provides technical and financial support to people who own farms, forests, and ranches. These experts can help landowners implement best practices to support monarch populations.
Personally, you can create a pollinator-friendly garden with native plants to attract monarch butterflies and other insects, according to the World Wildlife Fund. Whenever possible, avoid the use of chemical pesticides and herbicides that can harm wildlife.
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