Monarch butterfly population doubles, Texas celebrates conservation without regulation

AUSTIN - In a promising sign for monarch butterfly conservation, Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced Tuesday a significant rebound in the eastern monarch population.

According to the latest survey from the World Wildlife Fund-Telmex Telcel Foundation Alliance and Mexico’s National Commission of Protected Natural Areas, the population has nearly doubled in 2025. The butterflies now occupy 4.42 acres in central Mexico’s wintering forests, up from just 2.22 acres last year.

This is the kind of success we can achieve when we prioritize practical solutions over overbearing regulations,” Miller said in a statement. “Texans are some of the nation’s best environmental stewards, and it’s our farmers, ranchers, and landowners who are key to preserving monarch habitats. We need policies that encourage collaboration, not ones that punish those already doing the right thing.

The increase in monarch numbers signals a healthy shift for the species. The uptick is attributed to several factors, including favorable weather conditions along their migratory route from Canada through the United States to Mexico, as well as focused conservation efforts aimed at habitat restoration and land management.

Miller has long been a vocal critic of placing the eastern monarch butterfly on the Endangered Species List, arguing that it would impose unnecessary burdens on farmers and ranchers. Late last year, he submitted a letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, urging the agency to adopt more sensible approaches to monarch conservation.

This proves that we can protect monarchs—and vital pollinators for agriculture—without suffocating our farmers with bureaucratic red tape,” Miller added. “The lessons from Mexico are clear. The key to preserving monarchs is tackling the root causes of habitat loss, such as forest degradation. Texas and the U.S. will continue to champion science-based, balanced conservation strategies that respect property rights while safeguarding this iconic species.

The monarch butterfly is a critical part of North America’s ecosystems and agriculture, with 80% of food production relying on pollinators like them. Their awe-inspiring migration—covering almost 3,000 miles from Canada to Mexico—underscores the importance of cooperative conservation efforts that bring together landowners, conservationists, and policymakers.