Heading South –

As the  colorful leaves of an East Texas fall float to the ground, a lone Monarch butterfly is heading south.  Most of these migratory insects have already passed through Texas on their way to their wintering grounds in the mountains of central Mexico. Some will have traveled a straight line distance of up to 2,200 miles from their summer homes in the northeastern US and Canada. It is estimated that because they don’t fly in a direct line many may fly twice this distance in their trek to overwinter in the Oyamel Fir forests in the states of Michoacan and Mexico.

Why Mexico?  Yes, they do have great food, beautiful beaches, and wonderful people.  But the Monarchs  prefer, almost exclusively, 13 “sky islands” of forests at an average elevation of 8,200 feet.  These relict boreal forests provide the conditions necessary to the overwintering butterflies, including moderately cold temperatures that promote torpor but are not lethal, and warming during the day to allow activity (but not too much excessively energy-draining activity). There is also enough humidity to prevent fires and desiccation of the butterflies and a rich understory with a diversity of winter wildflowers for nectar.

The  butterfly reserves in Mexico provide human visitors the opportunity to experience this spectacular natural phenomenon. It also is a source of income for the local residents who depend on the tourism money to supplement their subsistence farming. These magnificent fliers are depending on the conservation efforts of citizens of three nations to ensure that future generations can revel in the wonder of their lives.

–Carol Miserlian