The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to add the monarch butterfly to a list of threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The agency says the move will bolster protection for the species and encourage its recovery.
If you live in Arizona, you’ve probably seen images of the striking orange-and-black-winged monarchs flying by the thousands en route to their winter homes in California and Mexico. It’s the only butterfly species that makes a two-way migration just like birds — with some coming from as far north as Canada.
But, environmental groups have long warned that their numbers are shrinking due to climate change. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates the butterfly’s Western and Eastern populations have declined by as much as 95% since the 1980s.
The agency says adding the butterfly to the list of threatened species will afford it federal protections and ramped up conservation efforts. Public comment on the rule is open until March.
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Shortly after the inauguration of four new members, the Scottsdale City Council voted last week to repeal a sustainability plan that had been adopted last month. -
The Mexican long-nosed bat was first spotted foraging in southeastern Arizona last fall. It’s one of three nectar bats in the state. The bat was identified through collaboration with citizen scientists in the area and the Species from Feces lab at Northern Arizona University. -
Former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum testified Thursday before members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, including U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego. He wanted to know how President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee would help tribes in Arizona if confirmed as the 55th secretary of the Interior. -
A judge has dismissed a lawsuit by environmentalists that would have made the San Pedro River a state-regulated Active Management Area, or AMA. -
The last time it rained in Phoenix was 145 days ago, which means we are in the third longest dry streak in our city’s history. When it comes to our city’s water supply, it doesn’t really matter — at least not yet.
