The population of butterflies of the eastern monarch in Mexican forests doubled the last winter season compared to the occupied region last year, according to a survey by Mexico World Wildlife (WWF) and the National Commission for Protected Natural Zones (Conanp), in collaboration with local communities.
The annual surveyNicknamed “forest zone occupied by colonies of monarch butterflies in Mexico during the 2024-2025 hibernation season”, revealed that the occupied area went from 1.79 hectares to 0.90 during the period 2023-2024. Despite the late arrival of the butterfly – which arrived in mid -November – scientists believe that improving weather conditions during the migration of butterflies favored the increase in the population.
Local managers had already noted the surprising increase in butterfliesAnd the report of scientists confirms their observations.
However, WWF said that if the monarchs occupied near the double of forest housing as last year, the populations remain far from the long term average.
Conanp Pedro Álvarez Icaza noted that they had spotted eight colonies of monarch butterflies: three were located in the Biosphere of Butterfly Monarch in the Michoacán, covering 1.21 hectares and five outside the reserve, covering 0.57 hectares in the state of Mexico.
The smallest colony, the same state, was the same state. The colony is an Atlautla.
Michoacán is home to the world’s renowned butterfly reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site This year is welcoming millions of butterflies that migrate from the north of the United States and southern Canada to nest in the pine and fir forests in Mexico.
In the presentation of the survey, scientists highlighted the preservation effort “as an example of tripartite cooperation between Mexico, the United States and Canada”.
Jorge Rickards, head of WWF Mexico, stressed the role of local communities in the investigation while they monitor the sanctuary to measure the butterfly population and ensure their preservation.
“We recognize the key role of local communities, as well as the support of the government of Mexico to the conservation of the forest and to offer this emblematic species the possibility of prospering,” said Rickards. “It is now time to transform the increase of this year into a lasting trend with an all -hand approach where governments, landowners, environmentalists and citizens continue to safeguard Critical habitats along the North American monarch migration road. “”
According to experts, climate change is gradually changing the ecosystems of Mexico forests, Put the habitat of the monarch under the threat of more and more serious temperature changesdroughts and pests.
A group of scientists and environmentalists strives to move sapins of fir trees in higher and colder areas in the region to create new butterfly habitats. The team aims to establish healthy trees in these regions by 2060.
With reports from The country
