What is the amazing migratory journey of Monarchs of Mexico?

The delicate orange and black winged creatures weigh less a gram and live for about a month. But every autumn, a special generation of butterflies is born that will survive seven to eight months and undertake an unbelievable 5,470 km migratory journey! They are the monarch butterflies, one of the largest of their species. And the place to witness this phenomenon is the 56,259 ha Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Mexico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For thousands of years, monarch butterflies have travelled from Canada and USA to Mexico from September onwards to escape the harsh winter of North America. The butterflies thrive in the warm climate of Mexico before returning to their northern homes in spring. Scientists have yet to discover how they accomplish this feat!

Mexico created the Reserve in 1986 to protect the winter habitat of these butterflies. From November to March, millions, probably billions of butterflies swarm around in the Reserve, colouring the trees and mountainsides orange. Trees branches literally sag under their weight! Cars have to slow down to avoid hurting them as they fly across the road.

 

Picture Credit : Google