Photo: Jon Ellis
Photo: Jon Ellis
JOHN FLESHER, AP Environmental Writer
Created: December 15, 2020 03:42 PM
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) - The monarch butterfly will have to wait longer to receive protection under the Endangered Species Act.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service tells The Associated Press that the black-and-orange butterfly's population has fallen enough to qualify for listing as threatened or endangered. But other species with a higher priority must be considered first.
Officials plan to propose listing the monarch in 2024 unless its situation improves.
They say a nationwide volunteer effort to restore habitat for the butterfly is helping. But environmental groups say it's not enough.
JOHN FLESHER, AP Environmental Writer
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