Monarch butterflies are known for their incredible migration, traveling thousands of miles between North America and Mexico each year. However, their populations have been declining in recent decades, emphasizing the critical need for conservation efforts to protect these iconic pollinators. The 28th annual Western Monarch Count recorded and recently announced a peak population of only 9,119 monarch butterflies this winter. This marks the second-lowest overwintering population ever documented since monitoring began in 1997, aligning with the species' recent proposal for protection.

Aligning with these alarming findings, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to list the Monarch butterfly as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, which includes additional protections and designation of critical habitat. In total, approximately 4,395 acres in Alameda, Marin, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, and Ventura Counties, California, fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation. Now, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service want to hear from you! 

Take action today and tell U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that you support the proposition to list Monarch butterflies as threatened under the Endangered Species Act!