The World Wildlife Fund, Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas and the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve released its 2020-2021 overwintering monarch population report on February 25, 2021. Adult monarch butterflies covered approximately five acres of forest canopy in Mexico, an area about two acres smaller than last year. Scientists estimate a long-term average of 15 acres of occupied forest canopy is needed to sustain the eastern North America monarch population and its continental migration. The report notes loss of habitat in the United States, forest degradation in Mexico, and extreme weather events contribute to the population decline over the last 25 years...
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