Monarch Butterfly Migration Faces an Uncertain Future Without Urgent Conservation Action

Butterfly Pavilion, with the Government of Mexico, has announced a newly funded project to lead a critical effort to safeguard monarchs and their migration.

The project, supported by a groundbreaking grant from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Conservation Grant Fund (CGF), aims to restore the Monarchs’ wintering grounds in Mexico by replanting 100,000 native oyamel fir trees in high-elevation areas, creating safe havens for Monarchs during the winter and securing their migration for future generations. This grant awarded by AZA, places Butterfly Pavilion,  at the forefront of global efforts to protect this migratory species. 

On the heels of December’s announcement by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (Monarch Butterfly Proposed for Endangered Species Act Protection | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service) on a proposed rule to list the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) underscoring the critical need for continued monitoring and proactive conservation to reverse the species’ decline, Butterfly Pavilion’s new project couldn’t be more timely.

Importance of Monarchs

Monarch butterflies are not just breathtaking to watch—they play a crucial role as pollinators, supporting ecosystems across North America. During their migration, they carry pollen between flowers, aiding plant reproduction and benefiting the wildlife that depends on those plants for food. As sensitive indicators of ecosystem health, Monarchs reflect the larger environmental threats we face. Protecting their migration means safeguarding the balance of nature. Immediate conservation action is required to prevent this extraordinary migration from collapsing. 

The loss of the Monarch migration would not only be an ecological disaster but also a cultural one. For generations, the migration has been a symbol of endurance and natural wonder, deeply woven into the traditions of communities across North America, including Mexico. The Monarch butterfly resonates deeply within the Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead. Coincidentally, these butterflies time their arrival to their overwintering sites in Central Mexico around the beginning of November, aligning with Día de los Muertos festivities. This synchronicity has led to the belief that Monarchs embody the souls of departed loved ones, making their timely appearance a poignant reminder of life, love, and memory.  It also supports ecotourism in the region, providing significant economic benefits.  

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve

Nestled in the majestic Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve is a sanctuary like no other. Spanning 560 square kilometers across the states of Michoacán and México, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the winter refuge for millions of Eastern Monarch butterflies. Each year, these delicate creatures embark on an extraordinary migration, traveling thousands of miles from eastern North America to this protected haven. 

Walking through the reserve is nothing short of magical. Trees are cloaked in vibrant orange as monarchs cluster together, their gentle fluttering filling the air with a soft, enchanting hum. For a few months each year, this forest becomes a living tapestry, showcasing one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles. 

However, this vital habitat faces increasing threats. Wildfires, climate change, and habitat loss have taken their toll, leaving only a fraction of the original 56,000 hectares available for the monarchs. The reserve’s mission is clear: to protect the monarchs and the unique ecosystem they depend on.

Butterfly Pavilion’s conservation efforts extend beyond habitat restoration and includes launching an expansive educational outreach program as part of the project to link communities in both the U.S. and Mexico to the Monarchs’ journey. Partnering with schools near Mexico’s Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, Butterfly Pavilion will support the creation of pollinator gardens as “living classrooms” where students can learn about Monarchs, pollinators, and conservation practices that protect biodiversity. 

In the U.S., Butterfly Pavilion will invite the public to join the Monarch Magic Pledge, encouraging individuals to plant milkweed and other pollinator-friendly flora. Community scientists will also be able to participate in the Colorado Butterfly Monitoring Network, collecting vital data to protect butterflies locally. 

However, the project’s success hinges on reaching the ambitious goal of planting 100,000 trees, which will require additional funding. Last winter, Monarch colonies occupied only 0.9 hectares of forest—the second-lowest figure on record. Experts believe at least 6 hectares of suitable habitat are needed to sustain the species. 

A Legacy of Protection

The reserve’s significance was first recognized in 1975 when researchers discovered its role in the monarch migration. Initial protections came in 1980, with federal designations and subsequent expansions in the 1980s and 2000s. In 2008, the reserve earned its status as a World Heritage Site, solidifying its global importance.

A Haven of Biodiversity

Beyond monarchs, the reserve teems with life, home to species like white-tailed deer, coyotes, long-tailed weasels, gray foxes, and hummingbirds. This biodiverse ecosystem underscores the reserve’s importance not only to monarchs but also to countless other species. 

Join the Effort: Protecting Monarchs in Your Local Area

The Colorado Butterfly Monitoring Network (CBMN) is a community science project led by Butterfly Pavilion that engages volunteers in monitoring and collecting data on butterfly populations across Colorado.

This citizen science initiative allows individuals to contribute to butterfly conservation by observing and recording butterfly sightings in their local areas. The data collected by volunteers provides valuable information about butterfly species diversity, abundance, and distribution, which helps land managers make informed decisions about conservation efforts.

Learn More About CBMN