The California State Parks Foundation is asking residents to report monarch butterfly sightings in an effort to support ongoing research into the species' whereabouts.

The request comes ahead of California Biodiversity Day , observed Sept. 6–14. The foundation is encouraging the public to download the free iNaturalist app , photograph monarch butterflies or their caterpillars, and upload their observations.

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According to the foundation, millions of monarchs once visited the California coast, but their numbers have dropped significantly in recent decades. Scientists cite climate change, habitat loss, pesticides and disease as possible factors behind the decline.

“The western monarch butterfly is an iconic species

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