Monarch Butterflies Arrive At Sanctuary In Central Mexico After Migration

Millions of monarch butterflies have descended on their sanctuary in the central Mexican state of Michoacan - an annual spectacle that draws tourists, scientists and locals alike.

The monarch butterflies flee the cold winters of Canada and northern United States and travel thousands of kilometers to hibernate and reproduce in the temperate woods of central Mexico.

Hundreds of trees crowded with butterflies can be seen along Mexico's 13,000-hectare monarch reserve after a 2,000-mile journey.

However, experts warn of a drop in monarch numbers. According to conservationist group WWF, the butterflies occupied only 2.1 hectares in December 2020, compared with 2.8 hectares the previous winter season.

Climate change is reported to have had an impact on the butterflies' migration pattern, as well as the reduction in their milkweed breeding habitat in the United States, the WWF reported.