Milkweed location affects monarch butterfly success, says study

A study at the University of Guelph shows that like human real estate principles location and size matters when it comes to milkweed plantings aimed at helping monarch butterfly recovery programs.

Theresearch suggests monarch butterfliesbenefit more from milkweed planted in certain places than others.In addition, the size of a milkweed patch smaller is better also makes a difference.

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Milkweed is critical to the survival of the monarch populationbecause it's believed to be the only plant the butterflies feed onas caterpillars.

The University of Guelph study finds that restoring the plantalong roadways is less effective than on agricultural lands.

Monarch butterfly populations have been in steep decline inrecent decades, in part due to efforts to eradicate milkweed.

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As a result, conservationists have been pushing for a program ofmilkweed planting, and the study suggests how doing so can be mosteffective.

The best approach appears to be small patches on agriculturallands, although using backyards can also help.

The Morning Edition - K-W7:02Cambridge researcher wants you to tag Monarch butterflies

Cambridge, Ont. scientists want you to help track monarch butterfly populations as the number of butterflies making the long migration to Mexico each year declines.