© 2024 Texas Public Radio
Real. Reliable. Texas Public Radio.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Environmental Threats Put Monarch Butterflies At Risk

Texas Butterfly Ranch

Mexican officials calculated anincrease in the monarch butterfly population early this year but overall, the population has declined by 90% since the 1990s. What are the greatest threats to monarchs' and their migratory journey? What does the drop say about the health and stability of our ecosystem?

Monarchs are unique because of their long migration -- one of their first stops being South Texas -- and important to the health of our planet. They are pollinators and a natural form of pest control. They are also an important source of food for many small animals, birds and other insects.

In 2018, the National Wildlife Federation distinguished San Antonio as a "Monarch Butterfly Champion City." What does the title mean and what's being done to support monarchs in our area? What requirements still need to be met to complete the Mayor’s Monarch pledge?

Are there specific plants individuals can plant in their gardens to protect and promote the monarch life cycle? What is pollinator friendly landscaping? What role do monarch butterflies play in our food chain?

The 2019 Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival is October 12-20 in San Antonio. Click here for more information and a full schedule of events.

Guests:

"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. Leave a message before the program at (210) 615-8982. During the live show, call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org  or tweet @TPRSource.

 

*This interview was recorded on Thursday, October 10 .

 

Stay Connected
Kim Johnson is the producer for Texas Public Radio’s live, call-in show The Source. She is a Trinity University alum with bachelor’s degrees in Communication and Spanish, and a Master of Arts Degree from the School of Journalism at the University of Texas at Austin.
Dallas Williams is a Producer for The Source at Texas Public Radio. With a degree in Mass Communication — Broadcast Media, Dallas brings a unique perspective and a passion to producing a live, call-talk show.