Monarchs’ Secret Route Found in Quintana Roo

Quintana Roo, Mexico — A scientific investigation has confirmed the existence of a third migratory route for the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), which leads it directly to the Yucatán Peninsula along the so-called "Ruta del Mayab," establishing Quintana Roo as a vital ecological corridor and a crucial stopover zone for the species.

In light of this finding, the organization Alas Mayas is seeking public participation during this fall and winter season to record sightings of the species, which is subject to special protection.

Cristian Docks, a researcher with Monarca Latina who leads the project, detailed that three sightings have been documented so far for the season running from October 1 to November 30, in Contoy, Cozumel, and Cancún.

She explained that the initiative seeks to break the paradigm that the eastern migration is limited to the sanctuaries in Michoacán. The presence of the monarch butterfly in the Peninsula is explained by the Caribbean Route (or Antillean Route), a trajectory that branches off from the main migration. This route indicates that a contingent of butterflies leaves the American continent through the state of Florida, continues migration through the Caribbean islands, and finally enters the Yucatán Peninsula to continue towards Central and South America.

“It is important to highlight that the Peninsula is not a site for mass hibernation, but rather a zone of passage and rest during the butterfly's long journey, which underscores the need to ensure healthy habitats in the region,” explained Cristian Docks.

Alas Mayas has turned the research into a citizen science project, which is active from October 1 to November 30, calling on the inhabitants of Quintana Roo to register any sighting of the monarch butterfly. In this way, citizens can become "active observers" and upload their monarch butterfly records to the iNaturalist platform.

This participation is fundamental for researchers to accurately map the trajectory of the monarch butterfly, which will allow for the generation of specific strategies for its protection in the southeastern zone of Mexico.

In Mexico, the monarch butterfly is listed in the Official Mexican Standard NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010 in the category of Subject to Special Protection (Pr). This classification ensures that the species and its migratory phenomenon are considered priorities and are subject to special management to prevent them from being at risk.