In the last decade, due to habitat loss and other factors, monarch butterfly populations have plummeted at an alarming rate. Monarch populations are measured by the total forest area occupied by overwintering monarch colonies. As of February 2024, Monarch butterflies occupied 0.9 hectares, 1.31 less than the 2.21 hectares in the 2022-2023 overwintering season - which is 59.3% less than the previous year. This is the first time since the 2013-2014 overwintering season that the eastern monarch population has occupied less than one hectare.

On December 15, 2020, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced that it finds Endangered Species Act listing for the monarch butterfly WARRANTED BUT PRECLUDED. This has spurred national conservation collaboration efforts, with over 16 states developing statewide action plans for conserving habitat in their state for this amazing migratory butterfly. > Learn more about Oklahoma's statewide action plan.

OKLAHOMA'S IMPORTANT ROLE

Oklahoma is centrally located in the monarch migratory path.

In order for Monarchs to thrive, we Okies must provide ample food, shelter and breeding grounds during both their migrations.

• Spring migration & breeding: Monarchs found in central and eastern US and southern Canada winter in Mexico. Each spring, these butterflies leave Mexico and fly northward through our great state in search of milkweed plants on which to lay their eggs. Once hatched, caterpillars feed exclusively on milkweed.
• Fall migration: Come fall, monarchs funnel back toward Mexico. Along the way, they find refuge in stopover sights with abundant nectar sources and shelter from harsh weather.

Did you know that there are several monarch look-alike butterflies? Learn more about how to identify monarchs.