Natural migratory events

Living diversity

Every year, billions of insects and birds migrate through the Great Lakes region, following Atlantic and Mississippi flyways. The spectacle of certain migratory events inevitably results in various human-wildlife interactions, one of the most charismatic and popular of which is the migratory Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus).

The natural geography of the great lakes create a boundary where significant numbers of the species can accumulate, until there are favourable weather conditions.

This creates a dependency and temporary area of high biological importance for the landscape that extends beyond natural park boundaries, and affects those who reside in the area.

Serious challenges

Even as increasing numbers of people are becoming interested to in birdwatching and other natural phenomena such as the Monarch migration, populations are collapsing to extreme lows. This is attributed to habitat loss, automobiles and agricultural activities, and other impacts from human industry.

In the southern part of their migratory journey in Mexico, the Monarch butterfly has supported the establishment of a unique sustainable tourism industry, with businesses from artists and hotel operators benefitting from the insect's existence and support.

In some regions, efforts to develop public interest in this charismatic pollinator resulted in the establishment of 'pollinator gardens,' and the modification of government policies.

Organizing the web

The OLN is being used to coordinate regional support for this species, in terms of recording the observations and activities that are being undertaken, including projects are being facilitated amongst community members. Projects across the migratory district are sharing the information and resources they use to conduct their work.

By integrating existing landscape data sources and with infrastructure like the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, the system makes it possible for new businesses to emerge based on sustainable tourism, as well as monitor and support the health of animal populations.

watching sector has increased its use of presence alerts, as well as communicates about the project with local stakeholders and families.