The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is an iconic butterfly, well-known around the world due to its striking physical appearance, global distribution, and long-distance migration patterns. Within the continental United States, monarchs occur in at least three populations, including the two migratory populations (western population, eastern population) with the Rocky Mountains acting as the general divider, and a non-migratory population in south Florida.
What Happened
On December 12, 2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) proposed listing the monarch butterfly under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as a threatened species with special rules for “take” exemptions.
Read more in the full Regulatory Alert.
SWCA Lens
Let us help you craft and submit your comments on the proposed rule and critical habitat designation for the monarch butterfly. Project proponents may want to submit comments if the species or critical habitats may occur within their project area or may be affected by routine project activities, thus affecting project timelines and key business decisions. Our experienced team is ready to assist with evaluating the sufficiency of data supporting the decision and analyzing the areas considered but excluded as critical habitat and the rationale behind those decisions.
We can also help you review the timeline for the finalization of the listing decision as…
