California Residents Urged to Report Western Monarch Butterfly Sightings

California State Parks Foundation is urging residents to report sightings of western monarch butterflies during California Biodiversity Day, September 5-13.

The nonprofit hopes that by collecting data through public observations, researchers can better understand where these declining species are found throughout the year.

Data collected will also support the upcoming 30th annual Western Monarch Count. The count is crucial in tracking the western monarch population, which has seen a significant decline due to climate change, habitat loss, pesticides, and disease.

A recent assessment predicted a more than 95% chance of extinction for western monarchs by 2080. To help preserve this species, Californians are encouraged to download the free iNaturalist app and upload observations of monarch butterflies or caterpillars.