MEXICO CITY (AP) — The number of monarch butterflies at their wintering areas in Mexico dropped by 59% this year to the second lowest level since record keeping began, experts said Wednesday, blaming heat, drought and loss of habitat. The butterflies’ migration from Canada and the United States to Mexico and back again is considered a marvel of nature. But the number of a smaller population, the western monarch butterflies that overwinter in California, has dropped, too. The butterflies themselves aren't at risk of disappearing, but the monarchs’ migration is. After wintering in Mexico, the butterflies fly north, breeding multiple generations along the way for thousands of miles.

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Persons: ”, Gloria Tavera, ” Tavera, Ryan Drum, Gregory Mitchell, Mitchell, ” Humberto Peña Organizations: MEXICO CITY, Monarchs, U.S Fish and Wildlife Service Locations: MEXICO, Mexico, Canada, United States, Mexico City, Rocky, California