As of March 08, 2026, public perception of butterflies is one of grave concern, particularly for the western monarch population which experienced a devastating 96% drop to just over 9,000 individuals in California during the 2024-2025 overwintering season, leading to projections of near-certain extinction. While the eastern monarch population showed some positive signs in 2024-2025, doubling to 4.4 acres, this is still an 80% decline over decades, and a broader 2025 study revealed a 2