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Press & Media

Xerces Society staff are respected as reliable sources of science-based advice at the forefront of invertebrate protection, and can provide information and perspective on all aspects of invertebrate conservation.

Our team includes nationally recognized experts on a range of issues, including insect declines, protecting endangered species, climate change impacts, pollinator conservation, pesticide risk, habitat creation, and wildlife gardening. We work to understand and protect insects and other invertebrates in all landscapes, from wildlands to backyards.

In each of the last three years, Xerces staff were quoted or our work was mentioned in thousands of media articles that reached over one billion people worldwide.

We’re happy to give media interviews. Please direct all inquiries to Deborah Seiler, (503) 232-6639 or communications@xerces.org. 

For general information about our work, please see our blog, publications, and other information on our website. Follow us on social media for the latest updates, as well.

Recent Press Releases

Monarch Numbers Up, But Still a Long Journey to Recovery

The latest count of monarch butterflies overwintering in Mexico found that the population which will migrate to the United States rebounded again this year. Monarch numbers increased to 150 million from 42 million last year, according to data collected by the World Wildlife Fund Mexico and announced today. Today’s numbers show a substantial increase from the last two years (the two lowest years on record) but are still far below a number that most scientists consider sustainable. Scientists estimate the population size by counting the number of hectares of trees covered by monarchs, and found that 4.0 hectares were occupied this year. Researchers estimate that there are approximately 37.5 million monarchs per hectare.

Assessment of Western Monarch Butterfly Winter Population Completed

Results from a survey of monarch butterfly overwintering sites in California show that there are more monarchs overwintering in the state this year than last. Volunteers with the Xerces Society’s Western Monarch Thanksgiving Count visited 187 sites and tallied a total of 271,924 monarchs. Although more monarchs were counted, the average number of monarchs per site is not significantly different than last year’s count, and this year’s population estimate represents a 39% decline from the long term average. The number of monarchs counted this year is but a fraction of the 1.2 million monarchs recorded in the late 90s.

Early data from Western Monarch Thanksgiving Count suggests a small increase in localized overwintering populations

First reports from monarch overwintering sites in California surveyed during the Xerces Society’s Western Monarch Thanksgiving Count suggest that 2015 may have been a better year for the beleaguered monarch butterfly in the western United States. The overall population size is still far lower than it was in the 1990s, when more than one million butterflies were counted.

Annual Count Shows that Number of Monarch Butterflies Overwintering in California may be Holding Steady

Data released today show that monarch butterfly populations at overwintering sites in California may be remaining stable. Volunteers with the 2014 Xerces Society Western Monarch Thanksgiving Count visited 185 sites, nearly two dozen more than the previous year, and tallied a total of 234,731 monarchs. This is up from the 211,275 counted in 2013. However, the average number of butterflies per site was slightly down, and the overall increase is likely due to the fact that more sites were surveyed this fall.

Monarch Scientists Release Statement Highlighting Concerns with Butterfly Releases

Today, a group of ten monarch researchers and conservationists from across the U.S. issued a statement highlighting concerns with the release of commercially raised and other mass-reared monarch butterflies and recommended against the practice. Wild monarch butterfly populations have declined by an estimated 90% in the past two decades, due to habitat loss primarily in the Midwestern U.S., where these migratory butterflies spend the summer months. Monarch butterflies are routinely purchased from commercial growers for release at weddings, funerals, and other celebrations, and to raise in classrooms and exhibits for educational purposes. Out of concern for monarch conservation, some private citizens are also rearing hundreds to thousands of monarchs in backyard operations for release into the wild.

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For General Media Inquiries

Contact Deborah Seiler

Phone: (503) 232-6639

Email: communications@xerces.org

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