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How to Track Monarch Butterflies Using the Latest Technology

1/30/2020

11 Comments

 
Co-written by Jennifer Dawson and ​Rebecca Chandler

Monarch butterflies are an iconic species known for their incredible mass migration across North America each winter — a journey of up to 3,000 miles. However, numbers of monarch butterflies have unfortunately fallen precipitously over the past two decades. Using cutting-edge technology to monitor monarch butterflies may be able to help us learn more about this wonderful species and, ultimately, help us better protect them. 

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Camera drones

Drones can be a great way to monitor monarch butterflies in flight and visually record the findings. Drones come with advanced GPS tracking systems, which let you track the drone’s activity and flight data from your smartphone. They also allow you to take high-resolution photos for highly accurate data analysis. They’re able to collect data in harsh weather conditions or locations it may be otherwise difficult to reach. Drones can also be easy to use and quiet, so you won’t have to worry about disrupting wildlife. However, it’s important to follow safety precautions when operating drones. In particular, check out the rules and regulations in your city or state concerning drone usage. That way, you can be in accordance with the law and avoid being hit with any fines or penalties when tracking monarch butterflies

Electronic tags

Electronic tags were recently placed on free-flying monarch butterflies for the first time ever in recorded history. Martin Wikelski, an ecologist, worked with Chip Taylor, a monarch butterfly expert, on the project aiming to shed light on monarch migration habits. The electronic tags are extremely lightweight (weighing .007 of an ounce) and were carefully attached to each individual butterfly by hand. Initially, the butterflies had to become accustomed to the slight extra weight before flying off happily. Scientists can now track the butterflies on their migration journey for thousands of miles, study their habits, and discover their favored habitats along the way. 
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Tracking apps 

Researchers at the University of Maine have created a new app called the Monarch Model Validation Project that allows people on the East Coast to take photos of monarch butterfly migration sites. Users can also include written details of where exactly they saw the butterflies. By studying photos of roosting butterflies researchers can learn where the butterflies rest overnight on their migration journeys. The app is a unique way concerned citizens can help scientists learn more about this iconic species. HabiTally is another app that has been developed by Iowa State University in collaboration with the Iowa Monarch Conservation Consortium. This app allows users to anonymously submit data which will report increases in milkweed across the U.S. and also tell us where current habitat exists. 
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​Technology is continually evolving to help us understand monarch butterflies better. Drones, electronic tags, and apps all play an essential role in helping us discover more about and, ultimately, conserve the species.

11 Comments
Cindy Lindh
3/7/2020 10:38:19 am

Please keep me posted on this topic. I am working alongside the Sonoma Ecology Center, Valley of the Moon Garden Club, CA St. Historic Park-Vallejo Home Property, Earth Care Committee of the !st Congregational Church(Sonoma), and the Monarch/Pollinator Garden (Sonoma) to restore, protect habitat. Area schools are a particular target too. The Sonoma Mayor signed the NWF Mayors' Monarch Pledge last spring and we are upholding the Action Items to include the above. Thank you!

Reply
Rebecca
4/4/2020 09:40:22 am

Hi Cindy,
Thank you so much for your support and helping to create habitat for our Monarchs! We would love to hear more about these projects you are working on. Please send an email to becki@saveourmonarchs.org if you would like to share more about these projects. Take care!

Reply
Beth Patton link
3/30/2020 05:34:00 pm

I raise Monarchs at my Montessori school, and I am interested in tagging and tracking the 17+ butterflies that emerge from their chrysalis each year. I would appreciate any information you could provide. Thank you!

Reply
Rebecca
4/4/2020 09:43:32 am

Hi Beth,
Thank you for reaching out to us. Monarch Watch has a great tagging program that you learn about here: https://monarchwatch.org/tagging/ They sell tagging kits and you can send your data in to them.
If you would like more information on rearing monarchs you can read our blog about that topic here: https://www.saveourmonarchs.org/blog/5-steps-to-rearing-monarchs-at-home
Let us know if you have any more questions and thank you again!

Reply
Hazel Cope
7/6/2020 04:54:35 pm

I intend to raise some of the many monarch eggs or caterpillars I find on my milkweed, as I did last year. After the season was over I learned that I could have tagged them for Monarch Watch. So this year I'd like to get some tagging kits. Can you send me details of these please.

Reply
Dean Weikert
4/10/2021 08:24:50 am

How can you say your research is still evolving and not credit God, They refused to give thanks is still true today. Standing before Jesus as He was on the cross... If you come down then we'll.... So sad, just say Thanks

Reply
Ignatz
4/28/2021 04:25:54 pm

What?

Reply
BTS
10/18/2021 02:21:22 am

What are u talking about? Wth dude I'm using this in my project it was very useful plus I learnt a lot about Monarch butterflies and how we can save them! I feel sorry for the butterflies! They have a right to live on thus planet too! Everyone have a right! Let's save butterflies!

Beverly Kristoff
10/31/2021 05:49:11 am

please find my butterfly tagged monarch from Frankfort Kentucky
number AELE 423

Reply
Linda L Lallow
8/31/2022 11:18:56 am

8-31-22 I had a monarch with an electronic tag on a zinnia today. I live in Fort Wayne, IN. My neighbor was here and verified it. I would not have known about the tags except for the neighbor. We are all excited over this, as we have gardens planted to encourage butterflies.

Reply
MELINDA
10/10/2022 03:11:24 pm

Where can I type in a tag number to see where a specific tagged monarch is in their migration journey?

Reply



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    Author

    Rebecca Chandler
    Garden Educator, Naturalist and Ethnobotanist

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