2021 Western Monarch Count Extremely Successful

Almost 250,000 Monarchs were counted in 2021. A huge increase from the less than 2,000 counted in 2020. Even though this is such a large increase in Monarchs, it is still only 5% of what their population was in the 1980s. For decades Western Monarch Thanksgiving Count has been cataloging the rapid decline of the species. Western Monarch Count is an annual effort of volunteer scientists that began in 1997. Observations stretch along the Pacific coast from Mendocino, California to Northern Baja, Mexico, plus a few inland sites in California and Arizona. The 2021 count has brought new hope to Western Monarchs after seeing well over 100% increase from 2020, the highest total since 2016. Some ways you can help the Monarch population is by planting pollinator plants and avoiding pesticides in your home garden. Also advocating for monarch-friendly policies within your community if very beneficial. Thank you, Xerces Society and Monarch Joint Ventures, for your work with the Western Monarchs.