Transborder Migration: The Monarch Butterfly and US-Mexico Relations

Abstract

While monarch butterflies’ unique migratory patterns have granted them high esteem among multiple cultures, their transborder migration has also presented them with a distinct set of threats. In light of the drastic decline of monarch populations in recent decades, the social, cultural, and ecological significance of these insects should warrant international solutions. Mexico has made various efforts toward the conservation and protection of the species; however, the United States has not fully reciprocated these measures. This research paper demonstrates the historical significance of the monarch butterfly both ecologically and culturally, outlines the prevalent issue and factors involved in the butterfly’s decline, and exemplifies the need for more effective international relations.