With Western Monarch butterfly populations in sharp decline, scientists Thursday urged Southern Californians to report sightings of the species to help track and protect it.

The call to action comes ahead of California Biodiversity Day, observed Sept. 6-14. The California State Parks Foundation encouraged the public to download the free iNaturalist app, photograph monarchs or caterpillars and upload observations.

The information will be used to track migration patterns and inform the 29th annual Western Monarch Count.

“The Western Monarch butterfly is an iconic species for our state,” Randy Widera, Director of Programs for California State Parks Foundation, said in a statement. “Californians have a key role to play in the preservation of this species, from helping scientists track where

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