Monarch Butterfly

The Monarch Butterfly in Mexico

The annual migration of the Monarch Butterfly is one of nature's greatest mysteries. Incredibly, four to five generations separate the monarch populations that makethis long and dangerous migration. The Monarch Butterflies that journey to Mexico are the great, great grandchildren of previous generations to have made it.

The Monarch Butterfly BiosphereReserve was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in 2008. The protected area covers over 200 square miles. Within the Biosphere Reserve, there are a few areas that are open to the public. Visitingthe monarch butterfly reserves offers the visitor a chance to witness a wonder of nature. Being surrounded by thousands of fluttering butterflies and seeing them carpeting the forest floor andweighing down the branches of the trees is truly a remarkable experience.

Monarch Butterfly Migration Destinations
Every fall, huge numbers of Monarch Butterflies gather in southern Canada to migrate.Until recently, it was not known where these butterflies went. We now know that some Monarch Butterflies travel over 3,100 kilometers, just to overwinter in places like Michoacan, Mexico. Morespecifically, these butterflies usually congregate in a small town in Michoacan called Angangueo. Some other Monarch Butterflies winter in Cuba or California. These long flights pose great danger for thebutterflies, especially from predators.

The Butterflies of Michoacan
In sanctuary in Angangueo, Michoacan in Mexico, the are thousands, or even millions, of Monarch Butterflies. From morning untilabout 1:00pm, you can see them flying around and almost obscuring the sky. You will hear the fascinating sound of their wings flapping.
The Monarch Butterfly Model Forest
The Monarch Butterfly ModelForest (Bosque Modelo Mariposa Monarca) was established as part of the international network of model forests for the protection and conservation of the butterfly's habitat in Mexico. The Monarch...