WEBINAR | The Mighty Monarchs of Mexico

When you think about wildlife tourism, charismatic megafauna usually come to mind -- polar bears, elephants, gorillas and the like. But one of nature's most mesmerizing creatures is much smaller -- weighing just half a gram! It's the monarch butterfly. And when you stand in the midst of tens of millions of them, you can actually hear the collective hum of their fragile wings. Curious to know more? Take a virtual journey into the Kingdom of the Monarchs, hosted by Court Whelan, Nat Hab's Director of Conservation Travel. Court is an entomologist whose Ph.D. research focused on monarchs and ecotourism. Indeed, coming to see the butterflies in the remote forests of Mexico's Central Highlands helps ensure protection of their migratory habitat, as local communities benefit from our presence. Each fall, monarchs fly some 3,000 miles from the northeast U.S. and Canada to reach this spot where they breed and shelter for the winter. Learn from Court about their wondrous journey, and enjoy his photography -- he's also a photo Expedition Leader for Nat Hab and recently published a book of stunning monarch images.


Originally presented December 10, 2019