Monarch butterfly population in Western U.S. nears record 30-year low. Here's what to know.
The number of monarch butterflies spending winter in the western U.S. dropped dramatically this year, despite moves to extend protections for the insect.
Western Monarch Butterfly Overwintering Population Falls 96 Percent, Second-Lowest Number On Record
The results of the 28 annual mid-season Western Monarch Count have been released: only 9,119 of the butterflies were counted during the time the overwintering population is usually at its peak. This represents the second-lowest number since the count began,
Dramatic drop in monarch butterfly count nears record 30-year low
This year the organization counted 9,119 monarchs, the second-lowest total since tracking began in 1997. The organization has recorded more than 200,000 monarchs in each of the last three years.
There used to be millions of monarch butterflies in California. Now, they’re in the thousands
Once, millions of monarchs wintered in California. But climate change, habitat loss, widespread pesticide use and disease have dwindled their numbers down into the thousands. Experts predict if action isn’t taken to preserve the butterflies, there is a 95% chance they’ll be extinct by 2080.
Monarch butterflies face steep decline in the Western U.S.
Monarch butterflies in the western U.S. have dropped to just 9,119 this year. In 2023, the count was 233,394, meaning a 96% decline.
The Western Monarch Butterfly Population Has Plummeted This Winter
The number of monarch butterflies in California is in sharp decline this year. This is the second-lowest population recording since tracking began in 1997. Biologists say record-high late summer temperatures and drought in the West likely contributed to the dropoff.
The decline of monarch butterflies
Not that long ago, monarch butterflies used to migrate in droves. However, over the last few decades, the number of these iconic creatures has dropped drastically.
Monarch butterfly numbers hit near record low in California. Here's why that matters
Just over 9,000 monarchs were counted in California last winter, the second lowest ever since the annual count began in 1997
California Monarch Butterfly Population In Sharp Decline
Hundreds of volunteers and partners participated in the 28th annual Western Monarch Count by attempting to identify all of the overwintering monarch butterflies in California. The results coincide with monarch butterflies being proposed for protection under the U.
Monarch butterfly count yields worrisome finding
This winter, volunteers from the Xerces Society, a nonprofit environmental group, tallied just 9,119 western monarchs — a dramatic 95% plunge and the second-lowest recording since the count first
Where have the butterflies gone? Monarch count nears 30-year low
The number of monarch butterflies spending the winter in the western United States has dropped to its second-lowest mark in nearly three decades as pesticides, diminishing habitat and climate change take their toll on the beloved pollinator.
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