The 2024 count of monarch butterflies in California revealed a shocking decline to just over 9,000 individuals, a stark drop from more than 200,000 in 2023. This count, conducted by the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation during the winter migration period, reflects the ongoing population fluctuations observed in recent years. Environmental stressors, such as record high temperatures and drought, are believed to have significantly impacted breeding success. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed classifying monarchs as a threatened species, highlighting their vulnerability and need for conservation.
The recently completed 2024 California monarch butterfly count showed just over 9,000 returning butterflies, a drastic decline from over 200,000 last year.
The count has varied wildly; after less than 2,000 observed in 2020, the population surged to nearly 250,000 in 2021.
The Xerces Society counted only about 9,100 monarchs this year, the lowest since 2020, raising concerns about the species’ vulnerability.
Record high late summer temperatures and drought likely contributed to the significant drop-off in the monarch butterfly population.
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