The Monarch Butterfly Migration: Its Rise and Fall

by Monika Maeckle Narrated by Kate Coventry

Overview

Each fall, millions of monarch butterflies migrate from Canada to Mexico. The monarch migration is a demonstration of nature's ingenuity, but the delicate creatures face many perils, and the number of migrating monarchs is declining sharply. This book weaves natural history, science, and personal experience to explore the rise and fall of one of nature's most spectacular phenomena.



While monarch butterflies have been migrating for centuries, they seized public attention in 1976 when a National Geographic magazine cover story featured the "discovery" of their roosting sites in Mexico. The revelations put a spotlight on the insects and inspired the creation of butterfly sanctuaries in Mexico as well as efforts to protect them. Almost forty years later, many believe that monarch butterflies are in danger of extinction. Journalist and butterfly advocate Monika Maeckle delves into the rich history and current plight of the monarch butterfly. Maeckle offers unique insights on the butterflies as well as a nuanced portrait of the community of scientists, enthusiasts, and "flutterati" who have emerged to support the monarchs.



The Monarch Butterfly Migration focuses a wider lens on the effects of climate change and the tensions between advocacy and scientific accuracy. This book reminds us to notice the natural wonders in our own backyards.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

A wonderful and important story—part memoir, part murder mystery, and full of the magnificent biology of nature’s monarch. Monika Maeckle deciphers complex scientific and social issues in an accessible, journalistic style that will be widely appreciated.”—Anurag Agrawal, author of Monarchs and Milkweed: A Migrating Butterfly, a Poisonous Plant, and Their Remarkable Story of Coevolution

 

“A soaring triumph. Maeckle’s crisp prose, clear-eyed perspective, and forthright passion weave a powerful story about the relationships between humans and monarchs, with wide-reaching implications for all of us. I picked up this book and couldn’t put it down.”—Juli Berwald, author of Life on the Rocks: Building a Future for Coral Reefs
 

Product Details

BN ID:	2940191002125
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	11/19/2024
Edition description:	Unabridged