Monarch Butterflies
Monarch butterflies undertake an extraordinary journey that spans thousands of miles from southern Canada and the northern U.S. to the forests of central Mexico. What makes this migration remarkable is that no single butterfly completes the entire round trip. Monarchs go through multiple generations during their migration, with the final generation, known as the "super generation," being the one that makes the full trip back to Mexico in the fall. This generation lives longer than the others, allowing it to travel the immense distance of up to 3,000 miles(World Wildlife Fund)(World Wildlife Fund).
Monarchs are the only butterfly species known to make this two-way migration, much like birds. The precision of their navigation is still not entirely understood, though it's believed that they rely on a combination of the position of the sun and an internal circadian clock(Monarch Watch).
Monarchs go through four stages: egg, caterpillar (larva), chrysalis (pupa), and adult butterfly. They are highly dependent on milkweed for the early stages of their life cycle. Female monarchs lay their eggs exclusively on milkweed, which is the only plant their caterpillars can eat. Without milkweed, monarchs cannot reproduce, which makes their population vulnerable to changes in land use and agricultural practices that eliminate this essential plant(World Wildlife Fund)(Monarch Watch).
Additionally, monarchs have developed an interesting survival strategy: as caterpillars feed on milkweed, they ingest toxic compounds called cardenolides, which make them distasteful to predators. Their bright coloration serves as a warning to potential predators about their toxicity, an adaptation that plays a crucial role in their survival(National Wildlife Federation).
In Mexico, the destruction of forest areas, especially in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, has worsened due to illegal logging, which is linked to cartel activity. This deforestation threatens not only the monarchs but also the biodiversity and water resources that sustain millions of people(World Wildlife Fund)(National Wildlife Federation). The cartels, while diversifying from narcotics into logging and land exploitation, continue to devastate natural habitats(World Wildlife Fund).
Recent Population Decline: In 2024, the monarch butterfly population overwintering in Mexico declined by a staggering 59% compared to the previous year. The butterflies occupied only 2.2 acres of forest, a sharp decrease from the 5.5 acres recorded in the previous season(Journey North)(World Wildlife Fund). This marks the second smallest area of occupation since records began in 1993(World Wildlife Fund).
The key drivers of this decline include habitat loss in both the U.S. and Mexico, climate change, and deforestation. Specifically, the use of herbicides and land-use changes in the U.S. have significantly reduced the abundance of milkweed—crucial for monarch reproduction. At the same time, forest degradation in Mexico, exacerbated by illegal logging, has destroyed vital overwintering habitats(World Wildlife Fund)(World Wildlife Fund)
The decline of the monarch butterfly population is one of the most dramatic ecological warnings of our time. In just a single year, a devastating blow to an already vulnerable species. The monarchs, whose intricate migration patterns and delicate lifecycles have captivated scientists and nature lovers alike, now face a daunting and unnatural obstacle: the encroachment of human greed, often tied to the shadowy workings of criminal enterprises.
Here, we find a tale not just of environmental degradation but of human choice—choice bound by cultural, economic, and social pressures. It is easy to assign blame, to label the Mexican cartels with words that strip their humanity, like "Mexicants." Thats right, i said it.
Yet, such simplifications do not grasp the complexity of the situation.
In a region burdened by a history of poverty and exploitation, the allure of the drug trade has long provided one of the few economic lifelines.
The cartels, while reprehensible in their methods, operate within a broken system where survival often supersedes morality. Now, as some turn their attention away from narcotics and toward more 'legitimate' industries like agriculture and logging, the damage to the environment—particularly the monarch's breeding grounds—is staggering.
Monarch butterflies are not just ecologically significant but also hold deep cultural meaning, particularly in Mexico.
Monarchs often arrive in their overwintering grounds around Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), leading to a traditional belief that they are the returning souls of ancestors(World Wildlife Fund).
This cultural connection adds to their symbolic importance and calls for the protection of their habitats as part of preserving heritage.
Monarch butterflies are rare because of their unparalleled migration, intricate life cycle, and the specific habitats they rely on for survival. They are incredibly vulnerable to environmental changes and human activity, which puts their future at risk. As a species, monarchs symbolize the interconnectedness of life, demonstrating how fragile ecosystems can be—and how essential it is to protect them. Their plight is a call to action for more sustainable agricultural practices, habitat restoration, and comprehensive environmental protections across borders.
The problem isn't the Cartels attempt to diversify away from drugs; in fact, that pivot could be applauded from a business perspective. It reflects an evolution of thought—an understanding that the illicit trade cannot sustain indefinitely. However, in this transition, the destruction of the monarch butterfly's habitat—due to illegal logging and land clearing—is a casualty too great to ignore. The forests where monarchs once thrived are now being reduced to kindling, their ecological importance tossed aside in the race for profit.
What is a problem is the local ‘unconnected’ average ‘farmer-joe’ natives, the local farmers in Mexico, particularly those in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, are facing increasing threats from illegal logging and cartel-related violence. The cartel-driven destruction of forests, primarily for the lucrative avocado trade, has been a significant factor in the decline of monarch habitats. Over 2,000 hectares of forest in the reserve have been affected by illegal logging, which has pushed local farmers and conservationists into a dangerous battle for their land(CSENS)(Earthsight).
What we are witnessing is not a conflict of good versus evil but a broader struggle between survival and sustainability. The cartels, in their bid to establish new revenue streams, are inadvertently becoming the stewards of the monarchs' destruction. Yet, should we entirely condemn those who have few options beyond the black market or environmental exploitation? Or should we explore ways to create sustainable, legal opportunities that benefit both the local communities and the global ecosystem?
The monarch butterfly crisis is closely tied to cartel-driven deforestation in Mexico, particularly in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. Cartels have moved into illegal logging, exploiting the forests that monarchs rely on for their winter habitat. Activists, like Homero Gómez González, who fought to protect these forests, have been targeted and even killed. Gómez’s death, under suspicious circumstances, highlights the violent power struggles over land, driven by cartels seeking to capitalize on logging and agriculture like avocado farming, further threatening both ecosystems and local communities(Voice of America)(World Wildlife Fund).
Illegal logging by cartels is decimating the monarchs' habitats, not only undermining centuries of local conservation efforts but also putting farmers and activists in direct danger as they stand up against these powerful criminal organizations. This situation reveals a troubling intersection of environmental exploitation, poverty, and violence that is driving the monarchs toward extinction.
In Mexico, the cartels use blackmail and extortion to maintain control over various industries, including illegal logging and agriculture, particularly in regions like Michoacán. Similar to how terrorist groups use blackmail by holding families hostage, cartels exert immense pressure on local farmers and business owners, threatening them and their families with violence if they refuse to comply.
For instance, in the avocado industry alone, the Knights Templar cartel earns around $152 million annually from extorting farmers and businesses. They often demand regular payments from farmers and impose heavy financial burdens on businesses that refuse to cooperate. In many cases, the cartels also monitor local economies, sending members or sympathizers to act as accountants within businesses to ensure they meet extortion demands, often under the threat of kidnapping or murder if these payments are not made.
The Knights Templar cartel, unfortunately, misappropriates the name of the historical Templar order, which was rooted in religious and chivalric ideals. This cartel, based in Michoacán, Mexico, emerged in the early 2010s as a splinter group from the ‘La Familia Michoacana’ cartel. It has no connection to the noble history of the Templar Knights but rather uses the name as a symbolic tool for power, control, and intimidation.
This cartel is heavily involved in drug trafficking, extortion, and illegal logging, especially in the avocado and mining industries. They have caused great harm to local communities by enforcing their power through fear, often with brutal violence. Their influence extends into local businesses, where they extort farmers and industries like avocado production, forcing them to pay "protection" fees, much like other criminal organizations【43†source】【45†source】.
It's unfortunate that they have hijacked a name associated with historical significance, as their actions are far removed from any of the values traditionally connected to the Knights Templar.
In rural regions, farmers are not only blackmailed into paying dues but also forced to buy products like fuel or agricultural supplies from criminal organizations. In some cases, if farmers or landowners resist cartel influence, the cartels threaten their families or workers with violence, using fear to enforce compliance. This is particularly evident in the avocado trade, where cartels have seized control of water resources and land, leaving local communities with little recourse other than submission or self-defense, as seen with community militias.
This system of extortion bears a grim resemblance to how terror groups use blackmail. Criminals often threaten innocent people with harm to their families, just as terrorist organizations use familial blackmail to coerce individuals into carrying out violent acts. Both tactics rely on fear and intimidation to achieve control over vulnerable populations【43†source】【44†source】【45†source】.
For Mexico to evolve beyond this, systemic change is necessary. Reducing cartel influence will require not just stronger law enforcement but also economic alternatives that empower local communities and break the cycle of dependence on criminal enterprises. Eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and stronger government support could provide these alternatives, allowing farmers to reclaim their livelihoods without the looming threat of violence.
If the drug lords who wield so much power in these regions could be incentivized to see the value in preserving rather than destroying, we could extend an olive branch—perhaps not immediately, but as part of a broader vision of peace and progress. An olive branch paired with economic opportunities, access to sustainable industries, and—dare I say—a framework for legal cooperation. Imagine a future where former cartel members manage eco-tourism enterprises, logging cooperatives that protect forests, or sustainable farming ventures. Vegas did not start out so different.
This isn't to ignore the harm caused or to brush aside the violence endemic to cartel operations. But rather, to highlight that the future of monarch butterflies, and much of the biodiversity in cartel-controlled regions, could be preserved through nuanced, forward-thinking solutions. Yes, this is a war. But the war is not just against illegal drugs or violence—it is against the forces of short-term profit at the expense of long-term survival.
As I build my own ventures in Canada, including a firearm manufacturing facility, I am acutely aware of the global intersections of business, survival, and ethics. A responsible business leader does not shy away from the hard conversations. If I were to extend a hand to those willing to leave the drug trade for sustainable ventures, it would be with the firm understanding that both the environment and the economy must survive together.
Despite this alarming decline, experts highlight that monarch butterflies are resilient. They have recovered from population lows before, but large-scale conservation efforts are needed, including habitat restoration and reducing the use of harmful herbicides(National Wildlife Federation)(Monarch Watch).
Monarch butterflies are not just iconic; they also play a vital role in their ecosystems as pollinators. They contribute to the health of diverse ecosystems by helping to pollinate flowers as they feed on nectar. While monarchs aren't as efficient as bees in pollination, their long migration ensures that they help spread pollen across large areas, contributing to biodiversity across multiple habitats(World Wildlife Fund)(Monarch Watch).
Furthermore, their population health serves as an indicator of broader environmental conditions. The monarch's sensitivity to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change makes it a sentinel species, meaning its decline is often a signal of ecological imbalance(Monarch Watch).
Monarch butterflies rely heavily on the oyamel fir forests in central Mexico for their overwintering habitat. These forests provide the right microclimate to shelter monarchs from cold and precipitation. The clustering behavior of monarchs during this period helps them conserve heat and energy throughout the winter(World Wildlife Fund)(Monarch Watch).
These overwintering sites are incredibly small and fragile. Even slight disturbances in these forests, whether due to illegal logging or extreme weather, can have catastrophic impacts on monarch populations. Illegal logging, driven by land conversion for agriculture or other industries, continues to threaten these forests(World Wildlife Fund).
Threats to Their Survival
Monarchs are facing a range of environmental threats:
Habitat loss: Agricultural expansion and deforestation are destroying milkweed and nectar sources. Additionally, the degradation of forests in Mexico is reducing the availability of safe overwintering sites(World Wildlife Fund)(World Wildlife Fund).
Climate change: Drought, temperature extremes, and changing weather patterns are disrupting the delicate balance monarchs need to survive. For instance, extreme drought in 2023 along their migratory route through Texas and northern Mexico severely limited the availability of nectar, which is critical for sustaining their energy during migration(Monarch Watch)(World Wildlife Fund).
Pesticides and herbicides: Widespread use of herbicides like glyphosate has decimated milkweed populations in the U.S., removing essential breeding habitats for monarchs(World Wildlife Fund)(World Wildlife Fund).
It’s understandable to feel offended by their appropriation of the Knights Templar name, as their actions are the antithesis of the values historically associated with the Templars. The original Knights Templar were known for their dedication to service, honor, and defense of the faith, whereas the cartel’s use of the name is purely symbolic and manipulative, designed to evoke an air of legitimacy or righteousness for their criminal activities.
The true legacy of the Templars is grounded in their commitment to protecting others, which is in stark contrast to the cartel’s violent, destructive actions.
To guide the transition of cartels and local communities from destructive industries like illegal logging into sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives, several steps can be implemented that emphasize the restoration of degraded environments—like deserts—rather than continuing the harmful deforestation of forests.
The first step is education. Cartels and local farmers can be trained in sustainable land management, emphasizing the long-term benefits of reforestation and desert restoration over short-term profits from illegal logging or unsustainable agriculture. Programs focusing on agroforestry, sustainable water use, and land rehabilitation can equip these groups with the tools to make their operations more eco-friendly. This would need to be done in partnership with international NGOs, government bodies, and local leaders.
For instance, desert greening techniques have been successfully used in regions like the Middle East, turning barren areas into fertile land through permaculture, tree planting, and innovative water management systems. These projects can be adapted to Mexico, where vast tracts of unused or degraded land can be rehabilitated instead of continuing to destroy the vital forest ecosystems that support monarch butterflies and other wildlife.
Shifting criminal groups toward sustainability requires giving them a financial stake in the new system. Eco-tourism, particularly in the unique regions where monarch butterflies migrate, offers a lucrative alternative. Successful models exist where communities protect natural areas and reap the benefits of tourism, such as Costa Rica’s national parks system, which has greatly boosted the local economy through conservation-driven tourism.
In Mexico, desert restoration initiatives could be linked with carbon credits, which could be sold on global markets. Rehabilitating land, planting trees, and restoring biodiversity could not only bring local revenue but also allow Mexico to play a leading role in global environmental conservation efforts.
One of the most promising solutions for transforming degraded land is regenerative agriculture. In desert regions, regenerative practices can restore soil health and promote sustainable crop production. Techniques like water harvesting, permaculture, and agroforestry can allow for productive farming even in arid climates, reducing the need for clearing forests for agriculture. By shifting cartel-led land use to sustainable, desert-based farming, landowners and local communities could continue to generate income without environmental destruction.
For example, the "Great Green Wall" initiative in Africa is a large-scale effort to reforest desert land, which aims to combat climate change and provide livelihoods through sustainable agriculture. Adapting such strategies in Mexico could reduce cartel involvement in unsustainable practices while providing new economic opportunities(HRW)(Yale Journal of International Affairs).
The international community can play a key role by offering funding, technical expertise, and market access for sustainable products grown on restored land. Sustainable crops, like certain desert-adapted plants, or even biofuels, could be promoted as alternatives to logging and drug production. Collaborating with global environmental groups and governments can help shift the mindset of these cartels from land exploitation to land stewardship, providing financial and legal pathways to transition.
