The monarch butterfly population continues to shrink due to factors such as climate change. People working to help the species say proposed federal protections could boost existing efforts.

I love sharing nature with people, because most people don't take the time to get up close with nature and enjoy it. I love to, when I release a butterfly, share it with people. I tell them that I'm naming the butterfly after them,

Captive-raising monarchs in cages also puts the butterflies at risk. The OE parasite can reach very high levels in indoor butterfly houses. And captive-raised butterflies often are too stunted to migrate, probably because they are weakened by heavy parasitic infections and questionable genetics.

The bright orange and black-marked monarch migrates through Oklahoma each fall and spring, stopping along its route to produce new generations.

Federal officials have proposed giving a rare Nevada butterfly endangered species status.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said Tuesday that it was opening a p