Like every year, one of the natural spectacles most anticipated, the arrival Michoacan and the State of Mexico of the majestic monarch butterflies.
Starting this Saturday, the sanctuaries where these colorful insects arrive will begin to open, whose arrival season begins in mid-November and will continue until March 2025, reported the Michoacan Ministry of Tourism (Sectur).
For this event, they will open sanctuaries such as El Rosario, Sierra Chincua y Senguio.
The monarch butterfly biosphere was considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Natural Good in 2008, so this 2024 marked 16 years of this distinction and in 2000 it was decreed as Protected Natural Area to conserve and protect monarch hibernation sites.
The mountains of this reserve are home to a variety of microclimates and numerous endemic species of flora and fauna, and protects species of oyamel, fir, highland pine, oak, aile and willow, so when visiting the sanctuaries they ask that the delimited spaces, do not make noise or step on those that are on the floor.
THEY STARTED TO ARRIVE
Approximately, in mid-November, the monarch butterfly sanctuaries were ready to receive and keep them in these green areas between both entities.
This year they arrived earlier in our country, because in Coahuila, They began to report the presence of insects in the forested areas as part of their journey to the sanctuaries. usual.
It is through the so-called Royal Mail-Monarch Butterfly Program, in which citizens use the social networks of this ecological project to show through photographs the colorful animals as they pass through the forests.
Roberto Enriquez, who since Friendship Dam in Ciudad Acuña, Coahuilareported the entry of migratory monarchs to Mexico, with an estimated flow of 15 to 20 specimens per minute after noon.
Another person, identified as Nereida Barrios, He also added to the graphic reports and reported on butterflies in the city of Acuña, in Braulio Fernández Park.
“We are surprised because in the autumns of recent years the entry of monarch butterflies to Mexico had not occurred so early,” says the publication on social networks.
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This post was even taken up and shared by Amado Gomez, son of Michoacan activist Homero Gomez, who dedicated his life to the care of the monarch’s shrines in Ocampo, and that in January 2020 he was found dead.
Since then, his son promised to continue the legacy as guardian of the butterflies and protect the forests from the threats of loggers and share information in favor of the environmental protection of the region.
KNOW THE ROUTES
Before the opening of the sanctuaries of the Monarch Butterfly of Sierra Chincua, El Rosario and Senguio, the Ministry of Tourism michoacana published through its social networks an image explaining the route and the travel time to arrive at said venues.
The above in order to guide the thousands of tourists and visitors who will arrive this season.
A statement indicates that, in the image, you can see the routes that must be taken from Mexico City, Toluca, Morelia, Querétaro, León and Guadalajara, pto be able to visit the three sanctuaries
Likewise, there are emergency numbers that can be contacted, such as 911, the Green Angels at 443 312 7777, or the Sectur Michoacán information module at 800 450 2300 extension 1175.
There is also the website, www.visitmichoacan.com.
Roberto Monroy García, Secretary of Tourism of Michoacán, recalled that the official opening of the season was held at the El Rosario sanctuary, where authorities and ejidatarios attended. He also invited tourists and visitors to respect the recommendations that will be given at each sanctuary. in order to care for monarch butterflies.
On October 27, the director of the Ecopark in Monclova, Hilda Rivera, called made an urgent call to protect these insects, as they face geographical changes in their route.
This sanctuary invited the population to participate in monitoring and reporting any monarch sightings.
How can individuals contribute to the conservation of monarch butterflies in their local communities?
Interview: Majestic Monarchs with Dr. Laura Ramirez, Butterfly Ecologist
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Laura Ramirez! It’s such a pleasure to have you here to discuss the incredible arrival of monarch butterflies to Michoacán and the State of Mexico. This time of year is always exciting, but can you elaborate on what makes this year special?
Dr. Laura Ramirez: Thank you for having me! Yes, this year is indeed remarkable as monarch butterflies are arriving earlier than usual. Reports from Coahuila indicate that specimens started showing up as early as mid-November, which is significant compared to the previous autumns. It suggests changes in their migratory patterns, possibly linked to climate factors.
Time.news Editor: That’s fascinating! The sanctuaries in Michoacán, such as El Rosario and Sierra Chincua, are set to open soon. Can you tell us about the importance of these sanctuaries?
Dr. Laura Ramirez: Absolutely! These sanctuaries are critical not just for the butterflies but also for biodiversity. The monarch butterfly biosphere was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, and it serves as a protected area for these amazing insects during their hibernation. The rich microclimates in the region support various endemic species of flora and fauna. When visitors come, it’s essential they respect the environment by sticking to designated paths and minimizing noise to avoid disturbing the butterflies.
Time.news Editor: It seems there’s a strong community involvement in observing and reporting the monarchs. Can you speak about the Royal Mail-Monarch Butterfly Program?
Dr. Laura Ramirez: Certainly! The Royal Mail-Monarch Butterfly Program is an engaging initiative where citizens contribute by sharing their observations and photographs of butterfly sightings on social media. This not only raises awareness of the migratory monarchs but also creates a sense of community and stewardship among the locals and visitors alike. The recent reports from individuals like Roberto Enriquez and Nereida Barrios have really highlighted the butterflies’ arrival in real-time.
Time.news Editor: A sense of community is so vital in conservation. Speaking of which, the legacy of Michoacán activist Homero Gomez is moving as his son continues to protect the butterflies. What impact does such dedication have on conservation efforts?
Dr. Laura Ramirez: The story of Homero Gomez and his son Amado is truly inspiring. It highlights the importance of local guardianship in conservation efforts. When individuals are personally invested in protecting their surroundings, it fosters a culture of preservation that can lead to sustainable practices. Community-led efforts can be powerful in combating threats like logging, ensuring that the habitats of the monarchs—and many other organisms—are safeguarded.
Time.news Editor: As we anticipate the upcoming season, what advice do you have for visitors hoping to experience the wonder of the monarch butterfly sanctuaries?
Dr. Laura Ramirez: I would advise visitors to plan ahead by checking the sanctuary schedules and understanding the guidelines for visiting. Respecting the environment is crucial; sticking to pathways and remaining quiet will help protect the delicate ecosystems in these sanctuaries. Moreover, capturing these moments on camera rather than disturbing the butterflies contributes to the overall experience without having a negative impact.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Ramirez, for sharing your insights and expertise! The arrival of the monarchs is a beautiful reminder of nature’s wonders, and it seems there’s so much to continue learning and appreciating about them.
Dr. Laura Ramirez: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing these magnificent creatures with you. I hope everyone takes the opportunity to witness this natural spectacle firsthand while supporting conservation efforts.