Monarch butterflies bounce back in a big way in Mexico
The number of monarch butterflies in Mexico has reportedly increased by 99% during the past year.
The largest concentrations of these iconic butterflies have been documented in newly designated protected areas in the states of Mexico and Michoacan.
Scientists believe this recent boom in monarch butterfly populations in central Mexico is related to several factors, including improvements by civil society and government regarding stewardship of forests — as well as an extraordinarily wet so-called dry season in 2024.
Specialists like Jorge Rickards of WWF Mexico point out that while this recent success merits celebration, work to preserve monarch butterflies must continue at an even more aggressive pace given the challenges of climate change and deforestation in several areas.
The monarch butterfly’s journey to Mexico from Canada and the United States is often described as miraculous. Generations of butterflies, each living only a few weeks, complete the multi-generational migration to the same forests their ancestors visited.
These forests provide the perfect microclimate for the butterflies to survive the winter. Clustered in dense colonies on tree trunks, they conserve energy and wait for the warmth of spring to begin their journey north.
However, this delicate balance is increasingly at risk. Deforestation, climate change, and the loss of milkweed—the sole food source for monarch caterpillars—are pushing this iconic species toward decline. The fight to preserve the monarch butterfly is not just about saving a species; it’s about protecting a symbol of interconnected ecosystems and the resilience of nature.
The indispensable role of protected biospheres
At the heart of monarch conservation in Mexico lies the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning over 56,000 hectares. This reserve, home to key sanctuaries like El Rosario and Sierra Chincua, is the primary overwintering site for monarchs. Its oyamel fir forests provide the ideal conditions for the butterflies to survive the winter months.
Yet, this sanctuary is under siege. Illegal logging, driven by poverty and limited economic opportunities, has historically degraded the forest. Although conservation efforts have reduced deforestation in recent years, the threat persists. Climate change adds another layer of complexity, with extreme weather events like unseasonal frosts and storms disrupting the butterflies’ delicate habitat.
The dangers and challenges of environmentalism
The fight to save the monarch butterfly is deeply intertwined with the lives of local communities. For many residents, the forest is both a cultural treasure and a source of livelihood. Balancing conservation with economic needs is a constant challenge, but innovative solutions are emerging — though conservation itself is not without its dangers. A perfect example of this sad state of affairs is the story of Homero Gómez González, a Mexican environmental activist, and conservationist who dedicated his life to protecting the monarch butterfly.
Gómez was also a vocal opponent of illegal logging, which poses a significant threat to the butterfly’s habitat. Tragically, he was reported missing on Jan. 13, 2020, and his body was found two weeks later in a water-filled pit in the municipality of Ocampo.
His death was ruled a homicide by drowning, and it sent shockwaves through the conservation community and beyond. Many believe that his murder was linked to his activism and his efforts to combat illegal logging and protect the monarch butterfly’s habitat.
The role of sustainable tourism
Aside from their importance to the ecosystem, monarch butterflies are also of great importance for tourism since visiting butterfly-covered forests has become a huge draw, especially in Michoacan. By attracting visitors to the reserve during the monarch season (November to March), sustainable tourism generates income for local communities while fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Programs like the Monarch Butterfly Conservation Fund support community-led initiatives, including reforestation and sustainable forest management. By involving locals in conservation efforts, these programs not only protect the butterflies but also empower communities to become stewards of their natural heritage.
Senior Editor Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a Mexican expedition/Canadian photographer, adventure leader, and PhD candidate. Born in Mérida, Carlos holds multimedia, philosophy, and translation degrees from universities in Mexico, Canada and Norway.
