THE AMAZING JOURNEY OF THE MONARCH BUTTERFLY

Monarch butterflies usually live 2-5 weeks, but every 3-4 generations their life cycle changes in order to migrate south and avoid the winter.

Photo: Lincoln Brower, WWF.

Migrating monarch butterflies live up to 8 months in a long and amazing journey from North America to Mexico.

Traveling approximately 46 miles per day, monarch butterflies cover an area of more than 1800 miles.

During late October and November millions of butterflies arrive in central Mexico to overwinter in the biosphere reserve of Michoacán and Estado de México, offering locals and visitors the opportunity to witness a magnificent natural spectacle unique in the World.

Thousands of overwintering butterflies carpet the forest floor and cluster in the oyamel trees to preserve their body warmth, reducing their activity to minimum sometimes weighing down the branches of the trees.

The  Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Mexico was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in 2008. The protected area covers over 56,000 ha. Within the Biosphere Reserve there are more than 10 sanctuaries but only 4 are open to the public: Sierra Chincua, La Mesa, EL Capulín, El Rosario (only one with a tourist corridor).

Photo: Lincoln Brower, WWF.

The conservation of these forests is imperative for the conservation of the monarch butterfly.

During February and March temperature starts to rise marking the beginning of the matting season. New generations are born back in the United States during springtime, one after the other they continue their journey up north arriving home in July.

September/October a new overwintering generation is born and starts its journey down south before the winter, traveling once again all the way to Mexico where each year we are privilege to witness this magnificent event.

Photo: Fritz Polking, WWF.

HOW TO GET THERE.

Morelia, Michoacan´s state capital and Toluca, Estado de Mexico´s state capital both feature international airports.

From Mexico city is possible to take a bus to Michoacan and Estado de Mexico from the “Centro Poniente” terminal (“Observatorio” metro station).

EXTERNAL LINKS

http://santuario-monarca.com.mx/

http://www.wwf.org.mx/wwfmex/ecot_mm.php