Letter From Estela Romero: Farewell Monarchs

Saludos,

The overwintering season has ended here at the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. 

Over the weekend, there was a small, remaining colony. Today this spot and throughout the Oyamel fir forests of the MBBR in Central México is empty of monarchs. Only a handful of monarchs can still be seen flying as they try to mate. These last few monarchs have tattered wings and some appear incredibly dehydrated. Most likely these monarchs will not migrate north.  

There were many farewell events held in neighboring communities, with ancestral dancing and music. The music and dances pay tribute to the four cardinal points and are expressions of gratitude, requests for bountiful rain, and thanksgiving for the fertile land.

Locally, we see climate change happening right now. We are all extremely concerned for monarch habitat and monarch migration. 

The Oyamel fir forests previously provided abundant humidity and a healthy ecosystem to support monarchs and other wildlife. However, for over a decade, the climate seems to be getting warmer and drier. This past season has been the driest winter we have had with only one late rain event, which happened only a few days ago.

These extraordinary creatures had to withstand a severe drought all winter. However, monarchs continue to amaze us with their resilience. We now need to do all that we can for nature through restoration, conservation, and education. If we do so quickly, we shall return on the right path to help monarchs survive.

Estela Romero

Journey North

Angangueo, Michoacán, México

Read the Spanish version of Estela Romero’s letter»

[original submitted, 03/27/2023; edited by N Sheehan and published, 03/28/2023]