the monarch butterfly population has declined die to a scarcity of

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The monarch butterfly population has declined due to a scarcity of milkweed, which is the primary food source for monarch larvae. In addition to milkweed loss, factors contributing to the decline include habitat destruction, pesticide use, climate change, and extreme weather events. Urbanization, agricultural practices, and changes in land use have significantly reduced the availability of both milkweed and the flowering plants that adult butterflies rely on for nectar. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting and restoring these habitats to support the monarch butterfly population.