The western population of monarch butterflies remains critically low, despite a slight increase recorded in 2025. According to monitoring conducted by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), only 12,260 monarchs were counted in California during November and December of that year, a modest rise from the previous year's count of 9,119, but still the third lowest number noted since 1997. Environmental groups are urging the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to consider listing the monarch as a threatened species given the persistent decline.

This citizen-led count carried out by the Xerces Society indicates a concerning trend for the species, which is experiencing a significant drop in numbers. The monarch exists in two primary populations: one migrating primarily to the central mountains of Mexico during the winter and the other predominantly residing along the California coast. The report highlights the need for immediate conservation efforts to protect these butterflies before their numbers dwindle further.

The alarming statistics underline the critical importance of habitat preservation and policy intervention to support the monarch butterfly populations. Climate change, habitat loss, and pesticide use contribute significantly to their decline, necessitating coordinated actions at various levels of government and community engagement to ensure the survival of this iconic species.