MIDDLEBORO — Wildlife experts have indicated that the monarch butterfly population has decreased significantly this year.

Middleboro resident Robert Lessard said he sees the proof in his own Plymouth Street neighborhood.

As he has done for several years, Lessard raised 58 monarchs last year from caterpillar stage and subsequently released them.

But, he reported with disappointment, “I have actually seen only four monarchs flying around the property,’’ he said.

 Environmentalists have cited the planting of genetically modified crops and the subsequent use of herbicides as a factor in the decline.

But Lessard is not giving up in his effort to beautify his yard and the world.

He expects to raise ten monarchs from caterpillar stage this year.

And he hopes more of the beautiful creatures become residents of his Middleboro neighborhood.