Getting closer to the protection and attention they deserve. As of today, the IUCN has listed monarch butterflies as endangered. With a decline in the western population of over 90% and the eastern population (which makes up the majority of the US’s monarchs) of over 80%, there is no question this remarkable species is at risk. These images are from my many visits to their migration site in the mountains of Mexico, one of the greatest natural wonders on the planet. The @iucnssc is the international body of experts who reviews current science and population estimates to understand the risk of species globally. Monarchs certainly fall into that endangered category, largely because of habitat loss and a decline of the plant they rely on: milkweed. And that’s the easiest way to help: plant native milkweed to your region, these butterflies will thank you!