MaryAnn Lepp has observed a notable increase in monarch butterflies undergoing their transformative process in her garden, with 20 caterpillars spotted feasting on her swamp milkweed in just one day this week. This surge in backyard milkweed patches across parts of the Prairie this summer is being witnessed by numerous Canadian monarch enthusiasts, including Lepp in La Broquerie, located around 60 kilometers southeast of Winnipeg.
Lepp expressed her excitement over discovering the second chrysalis in her garden, noting a higher presence of butterflies compared to previous years. While conservation experts cannot definitively attribute the surge to favorable weather conditions, the abundance of anecdotal reports on caterpillars, chrysalises, and monarch butterflies is seen as a positive indicator for the federally endangered species, known for its remarkable annual migration between Canada and Mexico.
Marika Olynyk, curator of the Living Prairie Museum, highlighted the significant monarch sightings in Winnipeg this year, emphasizing a consistent presence of caterpillars, chrysalises, and butterflies throughout the summer. The museum’s tall grass prairie preserve, featuring various native plants that pollinators favor, including different milkweed species, serves as a crucial habitat for monarch butterflies.
Despite efforts by individuals like Lepp to plant milkweed and native wildflowers, these essential plants are still not as abundant or widespread as they once were due to the conversion of native grasslands into farmland. Habitat loss remains the primary threat to monarchs, as Olynyk pointed out the drastic reduction of the Tallgrass Prairie, symbolizing species and habitat loss.
In response to calls for increased protection, the monarch was officially listed as endangered by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada in 2016. Ottawa later followed suit in December 2023, making it illegal to harm or capture monarchs at any stage of development on federal lands. Olynyk emphasized the importance of continuing conservation efforts, as the monarch population remains below sustainable levels.
In addition to the monarchs, the Assiniboine Park Zoo’s native prairie garden has experienced an upsurge in butterfly numbers, including the critically endangered Poweshiek skipperling. Laura Burns, the zoo’s conservation programs manager, highlighted the challenges faced by the Poweshiek skipperling, which is on the verge of extinction and only found in a small patch of native grassland in southeastern Manitoba.
The zoo’s breeding and release programs for the Poweshiek skipperling have shown promising results, with increased sightings and potential steps towards population recovery. Burns acknowledged the positive impact of favorable weather conditions on butterflies like the Poweshiek skipperling and monarchs and emphasized the importance of ongoing conservation efforts.
Looking ahead, the zoo plans to aid monarchs by attaching radio transmitters to adults as part of a Canadian Wildlife Service initiative to monitor their migration to Mexico. Enthusiasts like Epp remain dedicated to safeguarding caterpillars and chrysalises, emphasizing the interconnectedness between humans and the natural world in preserving biodiversity and ecosystems.