Breeding monarchs, a false good idea

For quite a few years now, the monarch butterfly has been arousing keen interest in the general public, as much for its beauty as for its status as an endangered species. To contribute to its preservation, a large number of people passionate about monarchs have gone into breeding them, with the sincere intention of releasing them in nature. But as it happens, that practice, although motivated by good intentions, can in fact be detrimental to the conservation of the species.

Since 2019, the Mission Monarch program has spoken out against breeding. Today, the Insectarium de Montréal reaffirms opposition to that approach because of the negative impacts it can have on the health of wild populations. Fortunately there are a number of alternatives that contribute to the monarch’s conservation; these avenues will be explored farther along in the article.

Risks connected to monarch breeding

One of the main problems with domestic breeding is the spread of diseases. In natural environments, butterflies face a range of selective pressures (weather, predation, diseases) that naturally reduce the spread of pathogens. In captivity, promiscuity and the lack of genetic diversity increase infection risk. For example, the parasite Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE) is frequently observed in monarchs bred in captivity. It can cause wing deformities, general weakness and premature mortality.

Furthermore, raising monarchs can harm genetic diversity. In nature, only the hardiest individuals survive the ordeals of life there. That natural selection is essential to the health of populations in the long term. When monarchs are raised away from these pressures, they risk developing characteristics that make them less suited to climate change or less able to face the challenges of migration. Thus, releasing large numbers of individuals reared in artificial conditions could alter the species’ adaptation and weaken the overall population in the course of time.

A false sense of positive impact

Breeding monarchs gives the impression of acting in a concrete way for conserving the species. But efforts should instead be focused on protecting their natural habitats. The true threat for monarchs resides in the gradual disappearance of their habitat and of milkweed, the host plant indispensable to their life cycle. The fragmentation of their habitat and the intensive use of pesticides along with climate change have a direct effect on the population of these migratory butterflies.

Mission Monarch, a responsible alternative

Rather than breeding monarchs in captivity, there’s a much more effective and scientific way of contributing to their conservation: Mission Monarch. Our participatory science program makes it possible to collect data on the distribution of monarchs and their host plants. Those surveys provide invaluable information about the abundance, distribution and density of monarchs and milkweed. By observing and documenting wild populations, citizens are helping scientists better understand where caterpillars grow, to more effectively protect those sites.

Participating in Mission Monarch does not disturb natural selection, and helps gather data crucial to conservation. In addition, this form of involvement raises public awareness about the importance of milkweed and pollinators in our ecosystem.

How can we help monarchs in other ways?

Here are a few simple and concrete things we can do to help ensure the monarch’s survival:

• Plant native milkweeds in your garden, in a pot on your balcony or in a vacant lot.
• Promote biodiversity by avoiding the use of pesticides and by maintaining natural habitats.
• Make people around you aware of the importance of habitat conservation and responsible practices.

Breeding monarchs, however good the intentions, presents risks that may harm the species over the long term. Rather than directly intervening in the populations, we should be adopting a scientific approach respectful of nature. Creating favorable habitats and protecting them, documenting wild monarchs in their natural environment through programs like Mission Monarch, and raising public awareness are activities of much greater benefit to their survival. By working together in an informed and responsible way, we can truly make a difference for this emblematic species.