Researchers seek volunteers for monarch conservation efforts
Each fall, thousands of monarch butterflies cross the southern United States on their journey to winter locations in central Mexico. In the spring, this eastern population of monarchs returns to the United States and Canada to breed. But not all monarchs migrate to Mexico. Some breed during the winter in the southern United States, and scattered reports show that other monarchs can spend the winter here in a non-reproductive state.
Researchers and others who study monarchs are looking for more information to understand why and what this might entail for monarchs, a candidate for the list under federal threatened species law. For that, they need the help of the public.
In a collaborative effort called Journey North, Monarchs Across Georgia, the University of Georgia and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources are encouraging people to report sightings of monarchs from December to March in coastal states, including Georgia. The other states are Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina and North Carolina.
“We are contacting you, the community of nature enthusiasts and monarch observers, to ask for your help in monitoring winter monarch sites in the USA,” said Sonia Altizer, professor of ecology at the University of Georgia and director of the Monarch Health Project .
Understanding monarch migration and behavior during winter is critical to conserving these butterflies. Studies have shown that the migration of monarchs has changed in recent years in response to human activity.
Journey North coordinator Nancy Sheehan pointed out that citizen scientists have “a long history of participating in scientific discoveries. I am sure the Journey North community – and future members – will hear this call and will not only send sightings, but will put on their boots to help with any targeted conservation efforts identified through this effort. ”
For 25 years, observers have reported observations of monarchs and milkworms to Journey North. The information was then used to create real-time mapping visualizations of the monarch’s migration and the presence of the milkweed, the only plant that the monarch’s caterpillars eat.
The monarch’s observations can be sent from December to March to the citizen science project Journey North. Visit journeynorth.org/monarchs to learn how to report sightings of monarchs.
Various fishing / hunting licenses offered by the state
Although the holidays are over, there is a perfect gift for outdoor enthusiasts that works at any time of the year.
A fishing and / or hunting license is valid throughout the year and benefits the wildlife and wild places they enjoy, according to the Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
A youth license, a lifetime license or an annual hunting or fishing license are great examples of how to provide access to large outdoor areas and provide support for Georgia’s wildlife and state-managed land. Youth and lifetime licenses come with a plastic card.
Youth License: The Youth Sports License costs $ 15 and is for children under 16 years old. The license grants hunting and fishing privileges and is valid up to the age of 17, giving them a full year sportsman’s license once they reach 16 (when they are required to have a license).
Lifetime resident licenses: With a lifetime license, a hunter or fisherman residing in Georgia will not need to pay for another state hunting or fishing license – ever! From trophy hunters to cast to largemouths lunker, your beloved recreation in Georgia is covered. Registration and document details are at www.georgiawildlife.com.
Annual or other licenses: Can’t buy a lifetime license? How about an annual or 2-year license? This purchase provides your sportsman with access to Georgia’s outdoors and, even if they already have a current license, the license you purchased will be “accumulated” with the existing license.
The Wildlife Resources Division uses the sale of hunting and fishing licenses to fulfill its wildlife mission. The sale of paid licenses is a key measure through which states receive federal funding for the restoration of wild and sporting fish. The uses of this funding in Georgia range from operating public fishing grounds to managing the 1 million deer herd.