On Monday, Feb. 9, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service announced efforts to restore the natural habitat of Monarch butterflies. Monarchs have decreased in population an estimated 90 percent since the 1990s, due to the decline in the milkweed plant, the Monarch’s sole food source.

“The last three years have been the lowest in history primarily due to the loss of habitat in the upper Midwest, especially the loss of milkweeds,” stated Erik Runquist, Minnesota Zoo butterfly conservationist.

The habitat restoration plan includes more than $3 million in funding. Runquist said that it’s a start, but thinks more needs to be done. The Monarch butterfly is currently being reviewed to see if it qualifies as an endangered species.

Source: Fox 28