The Xerces Society’s New Year’s report shows that the western monarch butterfly population has fallen significantly below average, with a population of about 116,758 monarch butterflies.
Seasonal mortality, primarily due to winter weather and predation, has hovered between about 35-49% during the last six winters.of Estimates for 2022-2023 show a 58% decline This is above average, but remains significantly positive compared to the last two winters.
By Thanksgiving 2020, the population has dropped to an all-time low of 2,000 monarchs.
California’s unusual winter weather has contributed significantly to its population numbers this year. Populations have declined due to tree collapse and damage caused by floods and storms. Coupled with inaccessible roads that prevent volunteers from observing the site, the population status of some areas remains unknown.
Emma Pelton, a conservation biologist at the Xerces Society and head of the western monarch butterfly, said: “Small populations are particularly likely to be wiped out by extreme weather, so it’s important to note that these storms occurred in relatively good years. I am lucky,” he said.
The decline in common monarch butterfly populations is largely due to climate change, habitat loss, and pesticide use.The population has decreased over 80% in central Mexico since the 1980s and more 99% on the California coast since the 1980sStaggering statistics have increased interest in conservation efforts and legal protections to protect the species.
Western Monarch counts are collected by community science volunteers and partners at sites along the Pacific Coast from Mendocino, California to northern Baja, Mexico. New locations have recently been added in Inyo County, CA and Saleen Valley, AZ. This year, 169 sites were collected in both the Thanksgiving and New Year collections.
Butterflies were observed along the central coast, with 49% reported in San Luis Obispo County, 28% in Santa Barbara County, 11% in Monterey County, and 10% in Santa Cruz County.
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