Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Mexico

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
Protectedplanet.net

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 2008
Size of heritage: 13,552 ha
- Buffer zone: 42,707 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: -99,758°
Latitude: 19,606°

Summary

The 56,259 ha biosphere lies within rugged forested mountains about 100 km northwest of Mexico City. Every autumn, millions, perhaps a billion, butterflies from wide areas of North America return to the site and cluster on small areas of the forest reserve, colouring its trees orange and literally bending their branches under their collective weight. In the spring, these butterflies begin an 8 month migration that takes them all the way to Eastern Canada and back, during which time four successive generations are born and die. How they find their way back to their overwintering site remains a mystery.

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Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve

The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Mexico. It is situated at coordinates N19 36 23 W100 14 30 and covers an area of approximately 56,259 hectares. This reserve is renowned for being the wintering grounds for millions of monarch butterflies, making it a unique and significant natural phenomenon.

History

The history of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve dates back centuries. The indigenous communities of the region, such as the Purepecha and Otomi, have long recognized the importance of the monarch butterflies and their annual migration. They believed that the butterflies were the souls of their ancestors returning each year.

In the 20th century, the scientific community began to take notice of this incredible migration. In 1975, the Mexican government established the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve to protect the butterflies and their habitat. The reserve was later designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008, recognizing its outstanding universal value.

Current State

The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve continues to be a vital sanctuary for the monarch butterflies. Every year, millions of butterflies from eastern Canada and the United States migrate to this reserve, covering a distance of up to 4,500 kilometers. They arrive in Mexico between November and March, seeking the mild climate and abundant food sources.

The reserve provides the ideal conditions for the butterflies to hibernate during the winter months. The oyamel fir forests, which cover the mountains of the reserve, offer protection from extreme temperatures and strong winds. The trees also provide a suitable microclimate for the butterflies, maintaining a stable temperature and humidity level.

Visitors to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve can witness the awe-inspiring sight of millions of butterflies clustering together on the trees. The orange and black wings create a vibrant spectacle, transforming the forest into a magical landscape. Guided tours are available to ensure that visitors can observe the butterflies without disturbing their delicate habitat.

Efforts are being made to preserve and protect the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. The Mexican government, in collaboration with local communities and international organizations, has implemented various conservation measures. These include reforestation programs, sustainable tourism practices, and initiatives to combat illegal logging and habitat destruction.

Despite these efforts, the monarch butterfly population faces numerous challenges. Climate change, deforestation, and pesticide use are among the threats that impact their survival. Conservationists and scientists continue to study and monitor the butterflies to better understand their behavior and develop effective conservation strategies.

The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve stands as a symbol of the delicate balance between humans and nature. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving biodiversity and protecting the habitats of these magnificent creatures. Through ongoing conservation efforts, it is hoped that future generations will continue to witness the remarkable migration of the monarch butterflies in this UNESCO World Heritage site.