The Monarch is in serious danger!
Counts of overwintering monarchs in California this fall (2024) was the second-worst on record for the western monarch since the population survey began in 1997. Millions of butterflies were observed as recently as the 1980s, but now they number just 9,119. The predictions for the western monarch are dire, with a 98% to 99% probability of extinction within 60 years.
The latest numbers for the eastern monarch butterfly population show a modest increase over last year’s numbers. However, the eastern monarch’s population has declined by 80% in the last few decades. Estimates suggest that the eastern monarch population’s extinction probability ranges from 48% to 69% within the next 60 years.
Action is Needed at the Local, State, and National Level
“A lot of people care about monarchs. Voluntary efforts like pollinator gardens and restoring habitat are probably a reason they aren’t in worse shape. However, these actions are not enough. To help monarchs recover, we need to work at a larger scale and address widespread issues like pesticide contamination and climate change that are beyond what voluntary efforts have been able to achieve.” Isis Howard, coordinator of the Western Monarch Count
Habitat loss particularly affects specialist species like the western monarch. As caterpillars, they are 100% reliant on milkweed to survive. As adults, they need nectar plants for sustenance. During the winter, they require roosting trees for protection from the wind and rain. Learn about efforts at the local and state level to restore critical monarch habitat.
Monarchs face danger from vertebrate animals as well as predatory insects. In this section, learn which natural predators are the biggest threat in Marin, and how to minimize the damage they cause.
Synthetic pesticides are harmful to butterflies and other pollinators. Neonicotinoids, once widely used in agriculture and landscaping, are among the most deadly. Learn why Integrated Pest Management is so important in Marin.