How Do Monarch Butterflies Navigate Their Epic Migration?

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In summary, NOVA's documentary follows the epic migration of monarch butterflies across North America, with insights from leading researchers such as Lincoln Brower, Bill Calvert, and Orley "Chip" Taylor. Taylor's research reveals that the butterflies are expert navigators, but the mystery of how they find their way to Mexico remains unsolved. The monarch migration is a remarkable and unique phenomenon that continues to fascinate and amaze scientists and viewers alike.
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Orange-and-black wings fill the sky as NOVA charts one of nature's most remarkable phenomena: the epic migration of monarch butterflies across North America. NOVA's filmmakers followed monarchs on the wing throughout their extraordinary odyssey.

...Shedding light on this natural wonder are some of the world's leading monarch researchers, including Lincoln Brower of Sweet Briar College, independent biologist Bill Calvert, and Orley "Chip" Taylor of the University of Kansas.

Putting the monarch phenomenon into perspective, Taylor says, "You've got a butterfly that's originating in Toronto, or it's originating in Detroit, Michigan, or it's coming down from St. Paul or maybe even Winnipeg, and it's moving south. Somehow it finds its way to Mexico. Could you do that?"

No one yet knows how the butterflies do it, but Taylor's research reveals that they are expert navigators[continued]
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/butterflies/about.html

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This one-hour program is divided into six chapters. Choose any chapter below and select QuickTime or Windows Media Player to begin viewing the video. If you experience difficulty viewing, it may be due to high demand. We regret this and suggest you try back at another time.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/butterflies/program.html
 
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  • #2
Sigh...we used to be able to view NOVA (and we still can view those old ones), but the newer videos can only be viewed within the United States now :(
 
  • #3
Putting the monarch phenomenon into perspective, Taylor says, "You've got a butterfly that's originating in Toronto, or it's originating in Detroit, Michigan, or it's coming down from St. Paul or maybe even Winnipeg, and it's moving south. Somehow it finds its way to Mexico. Could you do that?"

The monarch migration is truly a remarkable mystery. It's unlike bird migrations where the year's newborns are guided to the over-wintering areas by those that know the way. So with birds, it is a learned thing. With the monarch butterflies, it is a first time trip for the entire migrating population. And not only do they cross the border into Mexico, but they travel to a a very specific area (not a large area either) in the mountains in Michocan where they roost in the forest and go into a type of hibernation. Their migration is quite an amazing thing.
 
  • #4
yenchin said:
Sigh...we used to be able to view NOVA (and we still can view those old ones), but the newer videos can only be viewed within the United States now :(

Bummer! Maybe you will be able to view the newer ones when they're older ones. :biggrin:
 
  • #5
runner said:
The monarch migration is truly a remarkable mystery. It's unlike bird migrations where the year's newborns are guided to the over-wintering areas by those that know the way. So with birds, it is a learned thing. With the monarch butterflies, it is a first time trip for the entire migrating population. And not only do they cross the border into Mexico, but they travel to a a very specific area (not a large area either) in the mountains in Michocan where they roost in the forest and go into a type of hibernation. Their migration is quite an amazing thing.

Yes! That and a number of other aspects of this phenomenon are quite fascinating. Also, Nova did a great job. There is some beautiful cinematography in this one.
 
  • #6
Hey thanks Ivan I missed part of the program.:smile:
 

FAQ: How Do Monarch Butterflies Navigate Their Epic Migration?

What is "The Incredible Journey of the Butterflies - Nova" about?

"The Incredible Journey of the Butterflies - Nova" is a documentary film that follows the migration of monarch butterflies from Canada to Mexico. It explores the incredible journey these butterflies take and the challenges they face along the way.

Why do monarch butterflies migrate?

Monarch butterflies migrate in order to escape the harsh winters in Canada and the northern United States. They travel south to Mexico and other warmer regions in order to survive and reproduce.

How far do monarch butterflies migrate?

Monarch butterflies can travel up to 3,000 miles during their migration from Canada to Mexico. This is one of the longest known insect migrations in the world.

What are the dangers that monarch butterflies face during their migration?

Monarch butterflies face many dangers during their migration, including extreme weather, predators, and habitat loss. Climate change and human activities, such as deforestation and pesticide use, also pose significant threats to their survival.

How can we help protect monarch butterflies and their migration?

There are several ways we can help protect monarch butterflies and their migration. These include planting native milkweed plants, which are essential for monarch caterpillars, reducing pesticide use, and supporting conservation efforts and initiatives to protect their habitats. Additionally, educating others about the importance of monarch butterflies and their migration can help raise awareness and promote conservation efforts.

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