Monarch Butterflies in Decline Due to Proliferation of GM Crops

Alex Pietrowski, Contributor
Activist Post

The monarch butterfly is yet another species that appears to be in rapid decline due to the rise in herbicide-resistant genetically modified (GM) crops. These butterflies lay eggs on milkweed plants, and once the eggs hatch, monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on the weed. Yet, the overuse of Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide across millions of acres of Roundup Ready crops is believed to be destroying the milkweed necessary for monarch butterflies to thrive.

Cornell University was the first to raise attention to the harm that GM crops may have on these vivacious creatures, claiming that toxic pollen from GM corn would drift onto milkweed, poisoning monarch caterpillars and butterflies. Cornell’s research was criticized, and the United States National Academy of Sciences claimed that GM corn posed no risk to populations of monarch butterflies, as the amount of pollen that travels from GM corn onto milkweed was not sufficient to harm the caterpillars.

Yet, the species has been declining steadily since 1999. Why?

Now, researchers at University of Minnesota and Iowa State University once again reveal studies with the same conclusion: monarch butterfly populations are declining due to the proliferation of GM crops. Although the conclusion is the same, the underlying reason is different. The heavy use of herbicides on herbicide-resistant crops is changing the ecological landscape of farm lands. The milkweed plant is beginning to disappear, and with it, so is the monarch butterfly.

“The researchers estimate that the amount of milkweed in in the Midwest plunged by 58 percent from 1999 to 2010, pressured mainly by the expansion of Roundup Ready genetically engineered crops. Over the same period, monarch egg production in the regions sank by 81 percent.” (Source: Mother Jones )

“Another study published in the journal Crop Protection and conducted by Robert G Hartzler, an agronomist at Iowa State, found that milkweed on farms in Iowa declined 90 percent from 1999 to 2009. Additionally, his study found milkweed only on 8 percent of corn and soybean fields surveyed in 2009, which is 51 percent lower than in 1999.” Source: Global Research

What are we willing to sacrifice for GM crops?

Worldwide, pollinator bees are disappearing, and researchers are now blaming colony collapse disorder on the global overuse of pesticides. Now we are looking at exterminating the iconic and beautiful Monarch.

Perhaps to some, the decline and potential future loss of an insect species is insignificant, and some might argue that trying to solve the problem of world hunger certainly comes with costs. Yet, the issue here is much bigger. We are discovering new fortuitous consequences that come with the use of GM crops. Although most may be unintentional, these consequences are destroying the biodiversity of our planet, and other potential solutions to world hunger and food shortages are being overlooked and even derailed in the rush to create boutique crops dependent on chemical companies.

The final question then arises. At which point will the human species start to feel a more direct impact of genetic modification on crops and our habitats, our ability to grow nutritious foods, and our ability to nurture our bodies?

Sources:
http://m.motherjones.com/tom-philpott/2012/03/researchers-gm-crops-are-killing-monarch-butterflies-after-all
http://www.globalresearch.ca/monsanto-s-roundup-shown-to-be-ravaging-butterfly-population/29684
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_maize

Alex Pietrowski is an artist and writer concerned with preserving good health and the basic freedom to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. He is a staff writer for WakingTimes.com, and an avid student of Yoga and life.