Monarch Butterflies Are Free...But Their Protection Takes Work

Mexico, the U.S. and Canada have agreed to work together to protect the Monarch butterfly, whose winter habitat in Mexico is threatened by illegal logging. The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC), an agency formed by the three countries, committed this week to supporting conservation efforts for the butterfly.

The annual migration of the Monarch is considered one of the most impressive achievements in the natural world, and an aesthetic wonder. The butterfly travels up to 3,500 miles from eastern Canada and the U.S. to Michoacán, in central Mexico. There it winters in the oyamel fir forests in the mountains.

But continued illegal logging of these forests is reducing the Monarch's habitat. It clusters very densely in only a few areas, so even limited logging in the butterfly's habitation zones can have enormous impact. While the Monarch is not listed as endangered, scientists say this deforestation puts its existence at risk.

In 1986 Mexico created the Monarch Butterfly Special Biosphere Reserve covering 62 square miles. The protected zone was expanded to 217 miles in 2000. Despite efforts by the government, scientists, and conservation groups like the World Wildlife Fund, however, illegal logging and encroaching civilization have continued to reduce the Monarch's habitat.

The CEC resolution will focus not only on butterfly conservation but also on creating sustainable local employment. Creating ways for local residents to co-exist with the Monarch is seen as crucial to its preservation.

Best Regards,

Suzan Haskins
Editor, Mexico Insider
International Living

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