When: 
Wednesday, April 23, 2014 - 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Where: 
Hugel 103
Presenter: 
John Drummond
Price: 
Free

The area occupied by the overwintering population of monarch butterflies in Mexico reached an all time low of 0.69 hectares the winter of 2013-2014.  This follows the previous all time low during the winter of 2012-2013.  The area occupied by monarch colonies at overwintering sites in Mexico has been on the decline since 1994.   What is causing the decline in monarchs and what can be done about the decline?  In this talk, we will discuss how habitat loss, fueled by herbicide tolerant crops, the ethanol mandate, and development has led to such low numbers.  We’ll also discuss the impact weather has on the population.  Reproductive success has declined across the US and Canada the past two warm seasons.  Finally we will discuss what is being done in Canada, the United States, and Mexico to help monarch populations recover and what individuals can do to ensure that future generations will be able to marvel at the amazing journey of the monarch butterfly.

 

Sponsored by: 
The Programs in Environmental Science and Environmental Studies,Biology, Civil and Environmental Engineering,Engineering Studies

Contact information

Name: 
Katie Schimpf
Phone: 
610-330-5921
Email: 
schimpfk@lafayette.edu