| The
Migration
Through Mexico A Navigation Mystery |
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Where
Monarchs Probably Go
The map below shows the path the monarchs probably take as they
migrate across Mexico. We say probably because scientists don't
know for sure. Few people have traveled the route during migration, the
area is vast, and the monarchs can move quickly and high overhead, and
the English/Spanish language barrier makes communication difficult. This
map is based on the limited observations made by biologist Dr. Bill Calvert--and
many others--during fall migration.
Part
of the Mystery: Why Don't They Fly Straight South?
The monarch's winter home is directly south of
the region in Texas (centered on Del Rio) where most monarchs cross the
border into Mexico. However, the monarchs don't travel straight
south as they cross Mexico. Study the map and notice the way the monarchs
travel instead. Compare the line of longitude -100 West to the path of
the migration and you'll see this clearly. Look carefully at the map and
think, why don't the monarchs travel straight south
as they cross Mexico? The direction the monarchs travel is "delightfully
confusing!" says Dr. Calvert. Their route is a mystery of monarch
navigation.
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Why
not fly straight south?
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