Excellent news for nature lovers! The presence of monarch butterflies increased by 99% in Mexican forests this season.
First of all, you should know that these little guys come down to Mexico from Canada for the hibernation season during the months of November to March.
The news that made us all happy was shared by the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and there it details that the occupation with respect to the area of forest occupied in the previous season increased considerably.
The occupation of monarch butterflies increased from 0.90 hectares in 2023 to 1.79 hectares in this 2024/2025 season. The reason? Better weather conditions during the migration season of these small flyers.
The head of the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas explained that during this period eight colonies of Monarch butterflies were registered, three in Michoacán and five in the State of Mexico.
Monarch butterflies on the rise, but are they still endangered?
Although this rebound is encouraging, after years of decline, experts explain that climate change, forest fires, droughts and the use of pesticides are still serious threats to the monarch butterfly.
How to ensure that monarchs continue to cross 4,000 kilometers from Canada to Mexico each year? Scientists and authorities from the three countries will meet to update a conservation plan to protect the monarch butterfly throughout its journey.
It is important to highlight that local communities also play a key role in their conservation, as well as the support of the government and different organizations to combat illegal logging, forest fires, promote more respectful tourism, sustainable enterprises and more environmental education.