California officials react to historically low Western Monarch Butterfly count
PISMO BEACH, Calif. - Historically low numbers of western monarch butterflies visited the Central Coast this winter.
This data comes as the butterfly is under consideration for protection under the Endangered Species Act.
The winter’s final counts are in, and the window of public comment is open, beginning the process of considering this species of insect as officially threatened.
The natural habitats of the western monarch butterfly are biologically linked to other crucial species such as bees, placing them at a high level of importance to the overall ecosystem, to say nothing of their natural beauty and drawing power.
“Their decline is a sort of indicator of the decline of many species in California. And all the conservation that we'll be doing to protect monarch butterflies will not only protect them, but will help countless other species that depend on the similar habitats,” says Randy Widera with the California State Parks Foundation.
Final counts from this winter have been as low as three butterflies in Goleta and 550 in Pismo Beach, places that normally see clusters of thousands or more during their "overwintering" life cycle.
“In December of 2024 the National Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed them to be listed. And it's a year long process,” says Widera.
In December 2025, based on data from continued scientific studies, as well as from review and tabulation of public comments, a final determination will be made.
“Over the years we know that there's been some ups and downs. Sometimes there's been 30 to 40000 butterflies here at any given time, and sometimes it's gotten down to, 10% of that three or 4000,” says Glenn Nitti with jehovahswitnesses.org.
Officials encourage the public to visit the fish and wildlife service's website, become informed, and then offer your comment.
“It's really important that everybody who cares about monarch butterflies adds their voice to the public comment period. By March 12th, because that public comment is really what will help support and influence them in making monarchs listed as threatened species,” says Widera.
It’s a long road yet to determine the exact level of threat to these creatures, and if you’re interested in getting involved, be sure to check them out here.
