In a hopeful turn, the number of monarch butterflies wintering in the mountains west of Mexico City has doubled this year, covering 4.4 acres (1.79 hectares) compared to just 2.2 acres (0.9 hectares) in 2024. This recovery comes despite ongoing threats from climate change and habitat loss, offering a glimmer of optimism for the iconic species.

The annual count, which measures the area monarchs occupy as they cluster on tree branches in pine and fir forests, revealed a significant rebound after last year’s alarming 59% decline—the second lowest level since records began. Monarchs from the eastern Rocky Mountains in the U.S. and Canada migrate thousands of miles to overwinter in Mexico before returning north in spring.

Gloria Tavera Alonso, director general of conservation for Mexico’s Commission for National Protected Areas (CONANP), attributed the increase to improved climatic conditions and higher humidity levels. Drought along their migratory route had previously been blamed for the population drop.

This resurgence highlights the resilience of monarch butterflies, whose striking black-and-orange wings symbolize one of nature’s most remarkable migrations. However, experts caution that long-term conservation efforts remain critical to ensure their survival amid growing environmental pressures.