Comparison of Monarch Abundance in Prairies and Roadsides in Kalamazoo, MI

Abstract

Loss of habitat has led to a decline in monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) populations. Conservation efforts need to be made to improve monarch habitat availability so that their populations can grow. In order to do this, habitats that the monarchs can live and breed in need to be established. Previous studies have found that roadsides that contain the host plant milkweed provide a possible habitat. In this study, I collected data on monarchs, milkweed, and pests/predators at five established prairie habitats and five roadside corridor habitats. This compared managed and unmanaged monarch habitats to find potential alternative habitats for conservation by determining the quality of the two habitats and the differences between them.