The prostrate milkweed plant, which is crucial for pollinators, including Monarch butterflies, has been listed as an endangered species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The announcement came after it was discovered that the plant has only 24 populations remaining in South Texas and Northeastern Mexico, CBS reports. The prostrate milkweed plant is known to attract pollinators and serves as a host plant for Monarch butterflies, which are also declining in number.

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Monarch butterflies are dependent on milkweed plants for their survival.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says that several factors have contributed to the decline of the plant, including construction, encroachment from invasive plants, and border security activities. As a result, 661 acres in Starr and Zapata counties in Texas have been designated as critical habitats, which include 137 acres of federal land on the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge and 523 acres of private and county-owned land, The San Antonio Express News reports.

By establishing a critical habitat, agencies must contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before they use the land for activities. This move is expected to raise awareness of the prostrate milkweed plant and may help the government work more effectively with partners to preserve the remaining species and slow the rate of its declining habitat.

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Milkweed plants are a crucial food source for monarch butterfly caterpillars.

The prostrate milkweed plant is not only important for Monarch butterflies but also for other pollinators that depend on it for survival. As Save Our Monarchs reports, The plant has a unique structure that makes it an ideal host plant for Monarch butterfly larvae. The larvae feed on the leaves of the milkweed plant, and in doing so, ingest toxins called cardiac glycosides that are harmful to predators, reports Penn State Extension. These toxins remain in the butterfly's body throughout its life cycle, making it unpalatable to predators.

According to National Geographic, the decline of the prostrate milkweed plant could have serious implications for the Monarch butterfly population. In recent years, the number of Monarch butterflies has declined significantly due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. Without the prostrate milkweed plant, the Monarch butterfly population will continue to decline, which could lead to the extinction of the species, PBS reports.

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Milkweed plants are important for other pollinators besides monarch butterflies.

Unfortunately, the prostrate milkweed plant faces numerous threats in the southwestern United States, including road construction and border enforcement activities, maintians BorderReport. Significant growth and urban sprawl in recent years has resulted in the clearing of land that was previously inhabited by the milkweed plant. The Federal Register shows Road maintenance on rural roads has also been a problem, as road crews have been known to clear land, removing all the seeds present there.

Efforts are being made to protect the prostrate milkweed plant and prevent its extinction. Starr County Commissioner Roy Pena is working with STC instructor and graduate student Elizabeth Gonzalez to raise awareness about the issue and ensure that road crews are aware of the presence of the plant, reports KRGV.com. The Texas Department of Transportation has also logged the locations of the plant and will take steps to protect it during road construction.

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Monarch butterflies can only lay their eggs on milkweed plants.

The prostrate milkweed plant is an important species that plays a critical role in the survival of pollinators, particularly Monarch butterflies. Its decline could have far-reaching implications for the ecosystem and the survival of numerous species. The critical habitat designation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is a significant step towards protecting the plant and raising awareness about the issue. However, more needs to be done to ensure that the plant is not lost forever.

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Milkweed plants are declining due to habitat loss and pesticide use.

So, what can you do to help save the Prostrate Milkweed plant? Here are five places to start:

5. Avoid using pesticides

Pesticides can harm pollinators, including butterflies and bees. Try to use natural pest control methods, like companion planting, to protect your plants.

4. Reduce your carbon footprint

Climate change is a major threat to many species, including the Prostrate Milkweed. You can help by reducing your carbon footprint, for example by driving less or using energy-efficient appliances.

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Monarch butterflies are toxic to predators due to the toxic compounds in milkweed plants.

3. Spread awareness

Many people are unaware of the importance of milkweed and the challenges it faces. Share information about the Prostrate Milkweed and its role in supporting pollinators with your friends, family, and community.

2. Support conservation efforts

Many organizations are working to protect and conserve milkweed habitats. Consider donating to or volunteering with these groups. Greater Good Charities is on a mission to assure the long-term survival of the monarch butterfly through the conservation and restoration of forests. With your donation, they can plant essential trees for the Monarch butterflies.

You can help rebuild the monarch butterfly's habitats where they seek shelter and food during its migrations. By making a donation, you help plant trees in the region and help them engage the local populations in this restoration effort.

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Milkweed plants are easy to grow and can be planted in gardens to support monarch butterflies.

1. Plant milkweed

By planting milkweed seeds, you can provide a habitat for Monarch butterflies and other pollinators. Milkweed seeds can be purchased from nurseries or online retailers.

If you don't have a garden, you can still support healthy new milkweed plants through donations to Greater Good Charities. Your support also helps fund labor, supplies and tools to ensure the seeds are being planted properly. As a bonus, these flowers will help other natural wildlife like birds, bees and other types of butterflies!

Join us in making an effort to preserve the remaining populations of the prostrate milkweed plant. Take the milkweed pledge and prevent habitat loss from erasing this important plant forever.