How Many Monarchs in Mexico?
Estimating the Size of the Overwintering Population
Slideshow

Every year monarchs migrate to Mexico from across eastern North America. They cluster by the millions in 12 mountain sanctuaries. Because the butterflies are gathered in one small region of Mexico, scientists have a chance to estimate the size of the entire migratory population once each year.

Driving Question
Why is it important to collect and analyze monarch population data from year to year?




Resources: Explore authentic data through graphs and maps.

1. Explore how scientists estimate the size of the monarch population in Mexico's overwintering region each year.

2. Investigate questions about why monarch population studies are important; how scientists use the data to reflect on past events, assess current trends, and make predictions for the future.


Monarch butterfly population in Mexico: Chart Monarch butterfly colony site selection in Mexico Monarch butterfly colony site selection in Mexico
Journey North
Historic Records
Journey North
Evenly Distributed?
Journey North
Same Each Year?
     
Estimating the area of monarch butterfly winter colonies in Mexico Estimating the number of monarch butterflies winter colonies in Mexico Map of monarch butterfly sanctuaries in Mexico.
Dr. Lincoln Brower
Estimating Area
Dave Kust
Estimating Numbers
     
How many millions of monarch butterflies in Mexico? Estimating the area of monarch butterfly winter colonies in Mexico Monarch butterfly population in Mexico: Chart
Elizabeth Howard
How Many Millions?

Wikipedia
How Many Football Fields?
Journey North
Prediction for Future?