The presence of Monarch butterflies doubled in the Mexican hibernation forests during the winter of 2024-2025, according to reports from environmental authorities in Mexico. Pedro Álvarez-Icaza, head of the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (Conanp), noted in a press conference that the increase in the occupancy of Monarch butterflies was encouraging compared to the previous season. This increase was mainly attributed to more favorable climatic conditions during the 2024 migration compared to 2023, highlighting a less intense drought.
This season, eight colonies of Monarch butterflies were recorded, distributed across three in Michoacán and five in the central state of Mexico, covering a total of 1.7 hectares of forest. The largest colony was identified in the ejido El Rosario, in Michoacán, while the smallest colony was found in San Andrés, within the Azufres sanctuary, also in Michoacán.
Jorge Rickards, general director of the international organization World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in Mexico, recognized the importance of local communities and the support of the Mexican government to preserve the forest and provide this iconic species the opportunity to thrive. In his statement, he highlighted the key role of collaboration among various stakeholders to ensure a conducive environment for Monarch butterflies and their habitat in Mexico.
