A narrative picture story, essay, sequence, or series that increases the understanding and appreciation for science or the natural world. Studio scenes that are arranged by the photographer are not eligible.
The annual migration of Monarch Butterflies is one of the most iconic wildlife spectacles in North America, full of dazzling natural history enigmas that have kept scientists busy for over 50 years. It involves a multi-generation life cycle, yet-to-be-understood GPS skills, and an evolutionary arms race with a common weed species, milkweed. In the last three decades, the population of Monarchs has suffered a 90% decline. Deforestation in Mexico was considered the leading factor, but recent findings reveal that an equally urgent threat is the loss of breeding habitat in the United States and Canada associated with expanding industrial agriculture and housing developments in the native prairies. This dramatic decline can impact their ability to resist threats such as severe weather events, which are expected to increase in an era of climate change. Monarch butterflies are long-distant migrants, environmental indicators, and a flagship species among the pollinator family, and any conservation actions oriented to protect their habitat will benefit many other species.
In 2023, the wintering population of Monarchs dropped by 22%, increasing the risk to the species. In mid-2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife will conclude a four-year assessment to evaluate if the Monarchs should be listed under the Endangered Species Act. The stakes are high: on the one hand, listing the Monarchs could offer additional protection to the species; on the other hand, it would mean restrictions for tremendously popular activities, such as tagging events or raising Monarchs at home or school for educational purposes, and experts fear this could undermine the public interest and engagement. And January 2025 will mark the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the sanctuaries in Mexico.
Across North America, hundreds of people are working to reverse this alarming trend and create a new future for the Monarchs. Monarchs are a symbol of North America, and, in these polarising times, their story can be used to revisit our relationship with the natural world, to provide hope, and to unite three countries under the same goal: to save the Monarchs.