California Monarch Butterflies Fluttering Back After Record Low

PACIFIC GROVE, CA — After a record low last year, more orange-and-black Western monarch butterflies have fluttered into California this year, though experts aren't exactly sure why.

Climate change could be a reason. So could California's drought conditions. There may also be fewer places for the butterflies to live as construction sites plow under the monarch's favorite breeding grounds.

Last year, a count by the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation recorded fewer than 2,000 butterflies. That's a pittance compared to the tens of thousands in recent years and millions that migrated in the 1980s.

This year's count tallied more than 50,000 butterflies at overwintering sites, according to an Associated Press report.

“This is certainly not a recovery but we’re really optimistic and just really glad that there are monarchs here and that gives us a bit of time to work toward recovery of the Western monarch migration,” Sarina Jepsen, director of endangered species at the Xerces Society, told The Associated Press.

A butterfly lands on a branch at Monarch Grove Sanctuary in Pacific Grove Wednesday.

A butterfly sits on a leaf at Monarch Grove Sanctuary in Pacific Grove.

Butterflies land on branches at Monarch Grove Sanctuary.

A butterfly is illuminated by the late-morning sun at Monarch Grove Sanctuary.

Butterflies flutter through the sky above Monarch Grove Sanctuary.

A cluster of butterflies sit on a pine tree at Monarch Grove Sanctuary.

People walk into Monarch Grove Sanctuary.

People photograph butterflies at Monarch Grove Sanctuary.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.