The eastern monarch butterfly population in Mexico’s oyamel fir forests this past winter occupied 1.79 hectares, according to the latest survey released by the World Wildlife Fund-Telmex Telcel Foundation Alliance (WWF) and the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas in Mexico (CONANP). This represents a 99% increase from last year’s 0.9 hectares in the 2023-2024 overwintering season.

The 28th annual Western Monarch Count has reported a peak population of just 9,119 butterflies this winter.

Stay connected with the latest monarch conservation topics by attending our free monthly webinars. This series is a unique opportunity to hear from experts across various interdisciplinary fields related to monarchs, other pollinators, their habitats, and the threats and pressures that make conservation urgent. Bring your questions and get ready to discover how you can get involved to protect monarchs. All webinars are one hour long and occur at 1:00 PM Central Time

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has announced a proposed rule to list the monarch butterfly as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), accompanied by a 4(d) rule and critical habitat designation. As part of this process, the USFWS is seeking public input during a 90-day comment period, open from December 12, 2024, to March 12, 2025.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced a proposed rule to list the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, accompanied by a 4(d) rule and critical habitat designation.

As habitat loss threatens monarch butterfly populations, the Monarch Joint Venture uses remote sensing technology to assess pollinator habitat along energy and transportation rights-of-way in Minnesota to inform conservation efforts and future restoration opportunities.