Pacific Grove butterflies see a sharp decrease in population size
PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Residents of Pacific Grove are noticing a troubling decline in the number of monarch butterflies in the area. This after findings from a recent study confirmed a significant decrease in the overall butterfly population across the state.
Natalie Johnston, the Community Science Coordinator at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, has been closely monitoring the monarch butterfly population. She reports that the population has dropped by over 99% since 1997, a concerning trend that continues to impact the species.
"This past butterfly season had the second-lowest population on record, with only 200 monarchs spotted in Pacific Grove and just under 9,000 across the entire state of California," Johnston stated. "Monarch butterflies are definitely at risk of becoming endangered. In fact, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed listing monarch butterflies as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act last December."
Despite the sharp decline in numbers, Johnston is optimistic that extinction is not imminent for monarch butterflies. "Their population spans a wide territory, but the steep decline over the last three decades is concerning. However, monarchs are resilient, and when proper conservation measures are implemented, they can recover," she explained.
Encouraging news have emerged from Michoacán, Mexico, where recent data shows that the monarch population wintering in the region has doubled. This rebound is attributed to community conservation efforts aimed at preserving the species.
Johnston remains hopeful that the community of Pacific Grove will continue its local efforts toward monarch conservation. "One of the most effective things people can do is to make their gardens and landscapes more pollinator-friendly. This includes reducing the use of pesticides and opting for native plants and flowers," she recommended.
The Pacific Grove community, along with conservationists, is committed to ensuring that monarch butterflies continue to thrive for generations to come.
