The General Director of WWF Mexico, Jorge Rickards, emphasized the importance of continuing to strengthen conservation efforts to support the migration of the monarch butterfly. A change in the location of butterfly colonies has been observed, indicating the need to intensify conservation measures both inside and outside the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve.
Due to climatic variations in the breeding areas in Canada and the United States, high temperatures and droughts have been recorded, affecting the abundance of milkweed, where monarch butterflies lay their eggs. This Friday, a massive arrival of around 20 million butterflies is expected at the Sanctuary in the Sierra de Michoacán, after traveling more than four thousand kilometers from Canada.
The monarch butterfly population decreased by 59% between 2023 and March of this year, due to climate change and illegal logging in Michoacán for avocado cultivation, which has caused the loss of fir forests. It is estimated that around 120 million butterflies arrive annually at the sanctuaries in Mexico.
In view of the possible disappearance of the monarch butterfly migration by 2090 due to climate change, the National Autonomous University of Mexico suggests creating a new habitat on the slopes of the Nevado de Toluca in the State of Mexico. UNAM is leading assisted migration efforts by planting firs at higher altitudes to create future hibernation habitats. Collaboration with local communities is crucial for the success of the project.
Homero Gómez Valencia, son of Homero Gómez, continues his father's legacy at the Sanctuary following his death in January 2020. He highlights the importance of maintaining the refuge for butterflies and emphasizes conservation work amidst the impact of climate change and illegal logging. Optimal conditions are expected at the Sanctuary during the massive butterfly arrival.
This Friday marks the start of the visitation season with the Monarch parade in the municipality of Ocampo, Michoacán. Residents participate in cultural events and work to receive visitors who come from November to March. The monarch butterfly sanctuaries in Mexico are Cerro Altamirano, Cerro Pelón, Sierra Chincua, Sierra del Campanario, Cerro Picacho, and Chivati-Huacal, all key places for the conservation of this species.