Monarch butterfly population down, significantly

[LadyStanley]

http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/20...onarch-butterfly-population-in-steep-decline/

The number of monarch butterflies in California is on a steep decline, according to a new study.

The orange-and-black insects are a popular site along the coast each winter.

The non-profit conservation group the Xerces Society says the western monarch population has fallen 74 percent in just the last two decades.

Biologist Emma Pelton says the decline is even deeper than expected. “The monarch butterfly is especially concerning because it used to be one of the most common, and most widely distributed butterfly species,†Pelton told KCBS. “So if that one is declining, it’s a question of what other insect species are declining.â€

Cites multiple reasons why, including habitat encroachment and insecticides.

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[Hurt]

Are the monarch butterflies being used as a gauge for environmental well being? Article doesn't seem to be agreeing with my browser, for some reason.