Illegal Avocado Orchards Found in Mexico's Monarch Butterfly Reserve
Mexican authorities have uncovered illegal activities within the protected Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in MichoacĂĄn. An avocado orchard, comprising around 500 avocado plants and several lime trees, was found on land designated as protected forest. Additionally, approximately 470 avocado plants were discovered in another area of the property.
Profepa, the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection, inspected the area following a complaint. They found that five hectares within the protected biosphere reserve had been closed off due to illegal logging and unauthorized orchards. The affected area is located within a designated 'area of cooperation' on the western edge of the reserve.
The reserve's vegetation consists of coniferous and oak forests, providing crucial microclimates that shelter the monarch butterflies during cold temperatures and winter rains. Profepa verified damage to this ecosystem, with 12 oak tree stumps representing an estimated total volume of 3,616 cubic meters of wood. The reserve is one of the primary overwintering sites for the eastern population of monarch butterflies, which arrive from October through March. Profepa determined that illegal logging had taken place due to the lack of official markings on the tree stumps.
Profepa temporarily closed both affected areas within the El RincoĚn section of the ejido due to unauthorized timber harvesting and land use violations. The reserve was declared a protected natural area in 1980. Authorities are investigating the matter further to ensure the preservation of this vital habitat for the monarch butterflies.
