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Western Monarch Butterfly Population Hits Historic Low

1/31/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Western Monarch Butterfly population in California has plummeted to a staggering low of just 9,119, the second-worst count since 1997. This alarming decline, driven by habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change, has prompted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to propose listing the species as threatened, aiming to bolster protections and aid in their recovery.

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Story summary

The Western Monarch Butterfly population in California has plummeted to a staggering low of just 9,119, the second-worst count since 1997. This alarming decline, driven by habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change, has prompted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to propose listing the species as threatened, aiming to bolster protections and aid in their recovery.