Article Courtesy of Viory.Video
A surge in monarch butterfly numbers has marked an exceptional start to this year’s hibernation season in Mexico, with specialists reporting double the area occupied by the species compared to last year.
Footage recorded on Wednesday in Ocampo captures thousands of butterflies flying through the air at El Rosario Sanctuary, as visitors stroll among the clusters, snapping photos.
“This was a very good season from the months of December and January. Once the monarch butterfly concentrated where it should be, we began to visit the colonies to see the number of butterflies we received compared to previous years, and we realised that a large number of butterflies were arriving,” explained Homero Gomez Valencia, Member of the Communal Lands Committee and son of activist Homero Gomez Gonzalez.
Estimates indicate that the butterflies occupied about 2.9 hectares, with about 1.7 hectares recorded at El Rosario Sanctuary. However, the specialist noted that the figures could be higher.
“I believe it reached a little more than double last year. It is extraordinary and also the result of all the conservation work being carried out,” he said.
Despite the positive results, he explained that “the main enemy is climate change,” which continues to affect the population. This is compounded by the use of pesticides in regions of the United States, where the elimination of milkweed reduces reproductive opportunities.
“It is important to remember that this plant is essential for the growth of the monarch butterfly, because that is where the female lays her eggs. The larva hatches there. The larva feeds on that milkweed plant. So it is essential,” he emphasised.
According to the Ministry of Environment, the presence of monarch butterflies in Mexico’s hibernation forests increased by 64 percent compared to last season, when they occupied around 1.79 hectares.
Article and Video Courtesy of Viory.Video
