The eastern migratory monarch butterfly, a symbol of nature’s resilience and beauty, is facing a troubling decline. Recent data from the 2023-2024 winter season show a devastating 59% drop in their population compared to the previous year. These butterflies now occupy only 2.2 acres of forest in central Mexico, a sharp decrease from 5.5 acres the year before. This is one of the lowest populations ever recorded, with only the winter of 2013-2014 showing an even smaller area occupied.

The challenges facing monarchs are rooted in environmental disruptions. Climate changes in their breeding grounds in Canada and the United States—particularly rising temperatures and drought—have reduced the availability of milkweed, the vital plant where monarchs lay their eggs. Additionally, land-use changes and the widespread use of herbicides have led to a significant decline in milkweed and nectar plants, both essential to adult monarchs’ survival.

Yet, there is hope. By increasing the planting of milkweed and nectar plants, conserving habitats, and promoting sustainable practices in Mexico’s wintering grounds, we can help the monarch population recover. Each effort to nurture their environment contributes to the survival of this extraordinary species and preserves their awe-inspiring migration for future generations.