More than a Number

Jaime Rojo's Image

Jaime Rojo (Spain) reveals the epic migration undertaken by monarch butterflies and the efforts being made to save them.

How monarchs find their overwintering grounds in Mexico puzzles scientists. The number ‘01’ has been gently written on this butterfly’s wing, and a tiny radio transmitter has been attached to its delicate frame. This is to help researchers track and analyse its flight patterns.

Some do complete the full return journey, but for most it’s like a generational relay race. Butterflies continue to feed and breed as they fly south. Their young join the migration as older generations drop out.

As each butterfly will only ever take part in a single migration, they cannot learn the route by following experienced individuals.

Behind the lens

Jaime Rojo

Jaime Rojo

Spain

Jaime is a photographer and National Geographic Explorer who specialises in environmental stories about wilderness and wildlife. A strong advocate for conservation, he hopes his images can ultimately become a tool for the creation of new protected areas. Jaime’s a Senior Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers, a trustee of the WILD Foundation and the recipient of honours in competitions such as the World Press Photo and Picture of the Year International.

Image details

  • Nikon Z 9
  • 50mm f2.8 lens
  • 1/160 at f16  •   ISO 160  •   Profoto B10X flash + softbox
  • Ames, Iowa, USA
Copyright in WPY competition photographs remains the property of the respective photographers. You may not copy, share, reproduce or republish the photographs except as expressly permitted by copyright law. For media image usage enquiries, please contact us.

More images from Jaime Rojo

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A magnificence of monarchs
Open and Shut
A Changing View

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