Monarch caterpillars in New York are facing a critical decline in their primary food source, as milkweed plants—essential for their survival—have become increasingly scarce due to habitat loss and changing land use. Scientists warn that without milkweed, the caterpillars cannot complete their life cycle, raising concerns about the long-term survival of the iconic butterfly species. Conservation efforts are underway to restore milkweed populations, but the challenge highlights broader threats to pollinators and ecosystems. The situation underscores the urgent need for sustainable land management to protect declining insect populations.
Nature: Monarch caterpillars in New York CBS News
