Access digital copies of guides and regulations publications from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Issue link: http://digital.outdoornebraska.gov/i/1532519
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 37 Game and Parks documents alarming declines of rare butterfl ies Populations of monarch and regal fritillary butterfl ies have experienced alarming declines in eastern Nebraska over the past four years. These fi nding provide support for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's proposed listing. In 2024, Nebraska concluded its fi fth season of gathering population estimates of the two butterfl ies. Staff and trained community scientists conducted over 1,200 survey transects in 250 separate locations in 44 eastern Nebraska counties. Overall, monarch populations have declined 51.7% from 2020-2023 and regal fritillary's by 51.9% during the same time period. A focus on wildlife habitat Nebraska Game and Parks has put forth several conservation initiatives this year, focusing on preserving the state's precious natural habitats and diverse wildlife. Our eff orts include expanding habitat restoration projects that aim to rejuvenate native prairies and wetlands, creating thriving environments for local fl ora and fauna. These projects are essential not just for conservation but also for maintaining the ecological balance that supports Nebraska's unique biodiversity. These initiatives refl ect our commitment to the conservation of Nebraska's natural resources and demonstrate our proactive approach to addressing ecological challenges. Our continued focus will be on fostering resilient ecosystems. Engaging with communities and stakeholders remains a priority, as we aim to inspire collective action in preserving our natural heritage. Across the programs we've implemented on private lands and conservation partner lands, a total of 337 projects were completed in 2024 that impacted just under 103,000 acres of land. These add to the total acres aff ected by conservation partners and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Populations of monarch and regal fritillary butterfl ies have experienced alarming declines in eastern Nebraska over the past four years. These fi nding provide support for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's proposed listing.