Monarch Butterfly Conservation Efforts in Mexico

[Donald A. Davis]

Forwarded from dplex-l discussion group:

This is my first posting to the list server so allow me to introduce
myself. My name is Monica Missrie and I work for World Wildlife Fund
(WWF)in Mexico City. I'm the person who was with Dr. Brower on his
recent trip to Mexico and who co-authored the report on the fires. 

I just wanted to confirm Jurgen Hoth's statement that WWF is supporting
research on habitat requirements of the monarch butterfly in relation to
the forest dynamics.  The Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary Foundation (MBSF)
and Dr. Brower are cooperating with WWF in this effort and we are
planning on holding a scientific workshop in September to discuss the
results of the research and our suggestions for conservation schemes for
the  oyamel forest ecosystem.  Our objective is to present a coherent,
DATA-BASED document to the Mexican Environmental Authorities who are now
in the process of reviewing the presidential decree that declared the
monarch overwintering areas as protected.

As Jurgen said only good research will help us to understand which
practices will be the most suitable to ensure the effective conservation
of the monarch and its habitat. That is exactly what WWF and MBSF are
trying to do.

I just wanted to let all the monarch-watchers out there that serious
efforts are being done in Mexico to improve the current situation in the
sanctuaries and that WWF will pursue conservation efforts in the area.


Monica Missrie
WWF
Mexico Program
mmisswwfmex at compuserve.com.mx