Monarch butterfly population wintering in Mexico increases 144%

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

Monarch butterfly population wintering in Mexico increases 144%

Associated Press in Mexico City
Wed 30 Jan 2019 21.28 GMT

The population of monarch butterflies wintering in central Mexico is up 144% over last year, according to new research.

The data was cheered but scientists quickly warned that it does not mean the butterflies that migrate from Canada and the United States are out of danger.

This winter, researchers found the butterflies occupying 14.95 acres (6.05 hectares) of pine and fir forests in the mountains of Michoacan and Mexico states – an increase from 6.12 acres a year ago.

This year’s is the biggest measurement since the 2006-2007 period, said Andrew Rhodes, Mexico’s national commissioner for protected natural areas. A historic low of just 1.66 acres (0.67 hectares) was recorded in 2013-2014.

Jorge Rickards, director of World Wildlife Fund in Mexico which participates in the monitoring, cautioned that the butterflies, like other insects, see their annual populations rise and fall and the monarchs have had a declining trend. This year’s number was positive, but there is no guarantee it will continue.

-snip-

Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/jan/30/mexico-monarch-butterflies-wintering-population-increase

[OnlinePoker]

1. Keep planting that milkweed along their migration route

Aside from habitat protection in Mexico, this is one of the few positive things individuals can do to help the species survive.

[Alliepoo]

2. Yay!!!

This makes me happy!!! We raise Monarch butterflies in our kitchen. Hoping that our “migration generation” beauties made it to overwinter in Mexico!! And yes-plant milkweed for them to lay their eggs on and dine on! That is the only plant the mama will lay eggs on. And the only plant the caterpillar will eat. Also plant Mexican sunflowers, butterfly bush, lantana or any nectar flower for the butterflies to nectar on for energy. If I could figure out how to post photos from my iPhone, I would share some pics of my beautiful butterflies!!