"MEXICO CITY -- The annual migration to Mexico of millions of orange-and-black monarch butterflies is one of the nation's cherished rituals. But it could come to a virtual halt if the insect's natural habitat is not urgently salvaged."

"That is the conclusion of a long list of scientists, artists and environmentalists who are calling on the leaders of Mexico, the United States and Canada to act swiftly to protect butterfly breeding grounds. President Barack Obama, Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper are to meet in Mexico next week to discuss economy, trade and other issues.

Though the number of butterflies that travel thousands of miles across North America to Mexico has been declining fairly steadily for years, the migration has never been in more danger than now, the activists say."

Tracy Wilkinson reports for the Los Angeles Times February 14, 2014. [2]