For over two decades, Spanish photographer Jaime Rojo has been chronicling the plight of monarch butterflies, one of the world’s most vibrant and iconic insect species.
His work reveals a troubling narrative of decline driven by habitat destruction, climate change, pesticide use, drought, and wildfires, which have collectively decimated their population.
Rojo’s striking images will be showcased at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition in London, where he will receive a highly commended award for his photojournalism.
These photographs highlight the beauty of monarchs while raising awareness of their critical situation, a vital step for conservationists and scientists striving to protect these remarkable migratory butterflies.
“When I first visited the monarch sanctuary in Mexico, the forest floor was a thick carpet of dead butterflies, and trees were blanketed with them,” recalls Rojo.
Conservation efforts focus on planting milkweed to protect monarchs during their crucial migrations.Unfortunately, that spectacle has diminished drastically, with estimates suggesting a 90% decline in their population since the 1990s.
Monarchs undergo a complex life cycle that makes them particularly susceptible to environmental changes.
They breed in northeastern America during spring and summer, laying eggs on milkweed plants, which caterpillars rely on for nourishment. Each autumn, the final generation embarks on a 3,000-mile migration to Mexico, where they overwinter.
However, this stunning migration faces severe threats. Habitat destruction, compounded by the loss of milkweed due to powerful pesticides, and increasingly severe droughts and heatwaves limit their food sources during migration.
While climate change presents formidable challenges, conservationists advocate for immediate action, such as planting milkweed and reducing pesticide use.
Educational programs aim to raise awareness among local communities about the importance of monarchs in our ecosystem.
Rojo remains hopeful, stating, “We can save the monarchs. Citizens can make a difference.” His work not only captures the beauty of these butterflies but also inspires action to protect their future.