| Keyword | Description |
|---|---|
| Monarch butterfly | A type of butterfly known for its long migration from Canada to Mexico. |
| Migration | The large-scale movement of species from one place to another. |
| Conservation | Efforts to protect and preserve natural resources. |
Every year, monarch butterflies make an incredible journey from southern Canada to central Mexico. Recently, the first monarchs were spotted in Coahuila, a state near the U.S.-Mexico border. Linabeth Flores from the Mexican group Profauna confirmed the start of their migration.
The monarchs travel south each year, beginning in late August. They aim to reach their winter home in the pine forests of Michoacán, Mexico. Here, they rest before starting a new generation that will migrate back north to Canada in the spring.
Currently, monarchs have been seen in the cities of Acuña, Múzquiz, Monclova, and Cuatro Ciénegas. At a college in Múzquiz, some were feeding on Mexican sunflowers and pomegranate flowers. Before the migration, scientists tagged some monarchs in Winnipeg, Canada, with tiny radio devices. This helps track their journey and protect the species, which is threatened by climate change and habitat loss.
One tagged butterfly, known as MB26011, has traveled over 2,300 kilometers in 40 days. People can follow the monarchs’ progress using the Project Monarch app. Peak migration is expected soon, with most monarchs reaching their winter sites by early November. Profauna encourages people to share photos and reports to help track the butterflies’ routes.
The number of monarchs has decreased by 80-90% since the 1990s. However, there was a 64% increase in their population in central Mexico this spring compared to last year.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Migration | Migración |
| Conservation | Conservación |
| Generation | Generación |
Time to discuss
- Why do you think monarch butterflies migrate such long distances?
- How might climate change affect the monarchs’ migration?
- What can people do to help conserve monarch butterflies?
Let’s Write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph.
- Describe the journey of a monarch butterfly from Canada to Mexico.
- Explain why tracking monarch butterflies is important for their conservation.
