Each fall, millions of Monarch butterflies embark on a 3,000-mile journey from Canada and the U.S. to the forests of central Mexico. This annual migration, one of nature's most extraordinary events, is guided by instinct, as the Monarchs making the journey have never done it before. This sight was once common, with Monarchs covering trees almost to the ground, but on my last trip, I was surprised to find how high the clusters were.
Jaime Rojo is a photographer and National Geographic Explorer with a background in conservation, who focuses on environmental stories about wilderness and wildlife and uses his images as tools to protect nature. He has spent 20 years documenting Monarch butterflies, and his story, "Saving the Monarchs"—a visual exploration of their migration, the threats they face, and the efforts to protect them—was featured on the cover of National Geographic in January 2024.
Jaime also serves as a communications advisor to environmental organizations, corporate clients, educational institutions, and government agencies worldwide. He is a TED speaker, a Senior Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers, a trustee of the WILD Foundation, and has received honors from prestigious competitions such as World Press Photo, Wildlife Photographer of the Year, and Pictures of the Year International.
Follow Jaime on Instagram at @jaimerojo
