How is Monarch Migration Impacting Oyamel Fir Forests and What is Being Done to Protect Them?

Each year, monarch butterflies east of the Rocky Mountains embark on an extraordinary journey, traveling thousands of miles from as far north as Ontario, Canada, to their overwintering sites along central Mexico's Transvolcanic Range. These vibrant pollinators rely on the stands of oyamel fir trees for survival, as the trees act like a natural blanket and umbrella — shielding the monarchs from extreme cold and precipitation during the winter months.

But this delicate ecosystem is in danger. The oyamel fir forests are rapidly disappearing due to a combination of legal and illegal logging, land conversion for farming, and the looming effects of climate change. Despite government efforts to promote sustainable forest management and ban logging within the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, these policies have not been entirely effective. Illegal logging remains a significant issue, while some authorized tree removal and individuals cutting trees for firewood or housing further chip away at the monarchs’ safe havens.

The threat doesn’t stop there. Subsistence farming diverts water for human use, forcing monarchs to fly farther in search of hydration — depleting their crucial lipid reserves. Climate change models predict that heat and drought will add more stress to the oyamel firs, making them vulnerable to pests and disease. Even unregulated tourism in these regions contributes to the degradation of monarch habitats.

So, how can we help? One exciting tool making a difference is the GIS Landscape Prioritization Model. This innovative model identifies roadsides with the highest potential for high-quality monarch habitat development. Roadsides, often overlooked, can serve as vital corridors of milkweed and nectar plants, giving monarchs safe places to rest and refuel along their long journey.

By prioritizing the restoration and protection of these areas, we can create a network of safe passage for monarchs — a step that may prove crucial in the fight to preserve their population.