Western Monarch Butterfly Population Remains Dangerously Low

Western Monarch Butterfly Population Remains Dangerously Low

Photo: Greater Good Charities

The western monarch population, "which breeds west of the Rockies and winters on the California coast", has declined by more than 95% since the 1980's, states Xerces Society. Their numbers are dangerously low with an estimated 12,260 monarchs remaining.

The major threats these critically endangered butterflies face are habitat loss - including the decline of milkweed which is also used as breeding habitat-, pesticides, and climate change which has resulted in more severe droughts in the West. 

monarch butterfly laying egg on milkweed flower
Adobe Stock/rabbitti

Just like their population, their habitat is quickly disappearing. 

Places like the South Puget Sound lowlands which was once comprised of 150,000 acres of open grasslands, wildflowers, and oak woodland. 

forest of pine trees leading down to valley overlooking water
Adobe Stock/Jeff

Today, less than 3% of that landscape remains, reduced to scattered fragments by development, habitat fragmentation, and invasive species pressure driven by the rapid expansion of the greater Seattle metro region.

Of the prairie that remains, only 1% is considered to be in good ecological condition. This region could be home to vital pollinators like monarchs and one of North America’s most endangered butterflies - The Taylor’s Checkerspot.

monarch butterfly feeding on orange flower with bright flowers in background
Adobe Stock/RR Photos

These vital pollinators are in desperate need of milkweed and native flowers and a safe place to land. 85% of flowering plants require pollinators to reproduce. Pollinator health and prairie restoration are inseparable

That's where you can help. 

field of wildflowers with yellow and purple flowers
Photo: Bee and Butterfly Habitat Fund

With your support, Greater Good Charities will work with established conservation partners to provide native seed propagation, prairie restoration, invasive removal, and habitat enhancement.

several monarch butterflies on white flowers
Adobe Stock/sergio

Help save what’s left of the Puget Prairie. Donate today!

Andrea Powell

Andrea Powell is an animal enthusiast who resides in West Michigan. When not writing, she is exploring the great outdoors with her dogs and horses.

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Elderly brown chihuahua

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