Capturing the Threatened Beauty of Monarch Butterflies: Jaime Rojo’s Winning Photograph at Big Picture Competition

In Michoacán, Mexico, Monarch butterflies form dense clusters high up in the trees to rest and recover their strength after a 3,000-mile migration from Canada and the United States during spring. Wildlife photographer Jaime Rojo captured this captivating sight and won the grand prize at this year’s Big Picture photography competition. Rojo expressed concern in his entry that scenes like this could become rare due to climate change, deforestation, pesticide exposure, and the loss of milkweed plants.

Rojo’s photograph serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving natural habitats and protecting vulnerable species like the Monarch butterfly. The image showcases the incredible journey these insects make during their annual migration and highlights the delicate balance that exists within ecosystems. By admiring the beauty and fragility of the Monarch butterfly population, we are encouraged to take action to protect these important pollinators and the habitats they rely on.