MaryAnn Lepp is amazed by the number of monarch butterflies going through their transformative process in her garden. She observed 20 caterpillars feasting on her swamp milkweed in just one day this week. This phenomenon is being witnessed by many Canadian monarch enthusiasts, who are experiencing a surge in backyard milkweed patches thriving in the wet and warm conditions of the Prairie region this summer.
Expressing her excitement, Lepp pointed out the presence of chrysalis No. 2 in her garden in La Broquerie, located approximately 60 kilometers southeast of Winnipeg. She noted an increased number of butterflies this year compared to previous years.
While conservation experts cannot definitively attribute the surge to favorable weather conditions, they acknowledge the growing anecdotal evidence of caterpillars, chrysalises, and monarch butterflies as a positive sign for this federally endangered species. Marika Olynyk, curator of the Living Prairie Museum, highlighted the abundant presence of monarchs in Winnipeg this year, noting a consistent presence of caterpillars, chrysalises, and butterflies throughout the summer.
Monarch butterflies are attracted to various nectar sources, including milkweed flowers, as well as other flowering plants like the meadow blazing star. However, during their caterpillar stage, monarchs solely feed on milkweed leaves. Despite efforts by individuals like Lepp to plant milkweed and native wildflowers, their availability remains limited due to historical habitat loss caused by the conversion of native grasslands into farmland, posing a significant threat to monarch populations.
The monarch butterfly was classified as endangered in Canada in 2016, following calls for increased protection due to perceived vulnerabilities. The federal government implemented legal measures in December 2023 to safeguard monarchs on federal lands, making it illegal to harm or capture them at any developmental stage.
The population of monarch butterflies is closely monitored through the tracking of their wintering grounds in Mexico. While efforts are being made to conserve monarchs, the population remains below sustainable levels, emphasizing the ongoing need for conservation initiatives. Additionally, Laura Burns, conservation programs manager at Assiniboine Park Zoo, highlighted the critical status of the Poweshiek skipperling, a severely endangered butterfly species found in southeastern Manitoba.
Efforts to breed and release Poweshiek skipperlings at the zoo have shown promising results, indicating potential steps towards population recovery. The favorable weather conditions this year have been beneficial not only for monarchs but also for other butterfly species. As part of a Canadian Wildlife Service project, zoo staff will be attaching radio transmitters to adult monarchs this fall to track their migration to Mexico.
Enthusiasts like Epp remain dedicated to providing a conducive environment for caterpillars and chrysalises to thrive and eventually take flight. The commitment to conservation efforts underscores the importance of preserving biodiversity and fostering a harmonious relationship with nature.