Monarchs in Crisis: A Fragile Flight

The eastern migratory monarch butterfly, once a symbol of abundance, is now at risk. During the 2023–2024 winter, their population fell by 59%, occupying just 2.2 acres of forest in central Mexico—one of the lowest figures ever recorded. Only the 2013–2014 season was worse.

This marks a continuing downward trend: since 2000, the eastern population has declined by more than 80%. Scientists estimate they need at least 15–17 acres of forest cover to maintain a stable population. This year, they have just a fraction of that.

The decline is fueled by multiple pressures:

• Loss of milkweed in U.S. and Canadian breeding grounds, due to herbicides and land-use change

• Rising temperatures and drought, which affect both breeding and migration patterns

• Deforestation and environmental threats in Mexico’s overwintering sites

Still, there is reason for cautious optimism. Restoration efforts—including the planting of native milkweed and nectar species, sustainable forest protection in Mexico, and programs like the USDA’s SAFE and CRP—offer real potential. Some organizations have proposed protecting thousands of acres as monarch habitat, and voluntary conservation agreements are gaining traction.

To learn how you can support monarch conservation efforts nationwide, visit Monarch Joint Venture.

By protecting their habitat across borders, we can help monarchs recover and keep their remarkable migration alive. You can make a difference in your own backyard—find out which plants attract and sustain monarchs.