Re: June 27 Article, ‘Monarch butterfly Texas license plates on sale’
Monarchs can certainly use help. Kudos to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for creating a license plate.
There has been a steep decline in its population. The eastern North American population fell from 384 million per acre in 1996 to 14 million in 2013 . There was a slight uptick in 2019 , but still perilously low.
Their great migratory story is beautiful. During their eastern migration from Canada to Mexico, they pass through Texas. Inspired by the prominent climate scientist James Hansen, I planted milkweed. It was an amazing experience to see monarchs in my front yard. However, my milkweed plants died during the winter storm in February.
Scientists warn that the black and orange monarch butterflies are on the verge of extinction, and their disappearance is linked to climate change, pesticides and reduction of milkweed .
Plant milkweed, which is a main source of food for monarch caterpillars. Welcome monarchs to Texas and help conservation.
June 2, 2021
Voices of Austin @CCLATX 