Using community science to map western monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) in spring.

ABSTRACT: Migratory animals follow seasonal cycles comprising linked phases often with different habitat requirements and demographic processes. Conservation of migratory species therefore must consider the full seasonal cycle to identify points limiting population viability. For western monarch butterflies, which have experienced significant declines, early spring is considered a critical period in the annual population cycle. However, records of western monarchs in early spring, when overall abundance is lowest, have historically been extremely limited. We used a community science initiative, the Western Monarch Mystery Challenge, to collect data on monarch distribution throughout the western United States between February 14th and April 22nd over 3 years. Using data from the Western Monarch Myste

SUBMITTER: Erickson E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10752247 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature