With Western Monarch butterfly populations in sharp decline, scientists Thursday urged Southern Californians to report sightings of the species to help track and protect it.
The call to action comes ahead of California Biodiversity Day, observed Sept. 6-14. The California State Parks Foundation encouraged the public to download the free iNaturalist app, photograph monarchs or caterpillars and upload observations.
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The information will be used to track migration patterns and inform the 29th annual Western Monarch Count.
"The Western Monarch butterfly is an iconic species for our state," Randy Widera, Director of Programs for California State Parks Foundation, said in a statement. "Californians have a key role to play in the preservation of this species, from helping scientists track where the butterflies are located to advocating for the protection of their habitat."
Once numbering in the millions, Western Monarchs have seen their populations collapse over the past few decades. Last year's count tallied just 9,119 butterflies -- the second-lowest overwintering population recorded since tracking began in 1997, according to the foundation.
Scientists predict the species faces more than a 95% chance of extinction by 2080 due to climate change, habitat loss, pesticides and disease.
California's state parks serve as critical refuges for the butterflies during their overwintering phase, when they cluster in coastal groves that provide shelter from wind and cold along with access to nectar, officials said.
The California State Parks Foundation has supported Monarch conservation through habitat restoration projects, volunteer programs and management plans for overwintering groves. The group also advocates for the Western Monarch to be listed as a threatened species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
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