Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, Butterfly sanctuary and mountain peak in Michoacán and State of Mexico, Mexico
The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve spans forested highlands across Michoacán and the State of Mexico, providing habitat for millions of monarch butterflies. Dense fir forests within the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt offer shelter where the butterflies cluster during winter months.
The area received protected status as a wildlife refuge in 1980 and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. This recognition acknowledged its ecological importance as a critical refuge for the migratory species.
Indigenous Otomi and Mazahua communities maintain traditional land management practices that support both agricultural needs and forest conservation within the reserve.
Visitors can access the sanctuaries from October through March, with multiple entry points available across both states. Guided tours are offered, and early mornings on cool days provide the best viewing as butterflies are less active in colder temperatures.
Millions of monarchs travel from the north over 2,000 kilometers and congregate each year on only a handful of tree clusters within the entire reserve. This concentrated location makes the species particularly vulnerable if anything threatens this fragile overwintering site.
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