TED Talks Daily The magical, mesmerizing migration of monarch butterflies | Jaime Rojo
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Oct 9, 2024 
Jaime Rojo, a dedicated photographer of nature, shares his adventures capturing the stunning migration of monarch butterflies. He highlights their role as ecological indicators and explores the mysteries of their long, treacherous journey to Mexico. Rojo discusses the cultural significance of the butterflies, especially during Mexico's Day of the Dead, and underscores collaborations among communities to conserve these extraordinary insects. It's a fascinating glimpse into the delicate balance of nature and the vital efforts needed to protect monarchs.
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Monarch Migration Mystery
- Monarch butterflies migrate over thousands of miles, with multiple generations completing the journey.
- The final generation travels to a specific location in Mexico that they've never been to before.
Navigational Enigma
- Scientists are unsure how monarchs navigate to the same 12 mountaintops in Mexico.
- Theories include geomagnetism, visual cues, and pheromones, but research continues.
Habitat Loss and Milkweed
- Monarchs face habitat loss due to land development and agriculture.
- Herbicides and genetically modified crops have wiped out milkweed, the monarch's host plant.