A carpet of Monarch butterflies covered the forest floor of El Rosario Butterfly Sanctuary after an unusually intense snowstorm hit Michoacán, Mexico, in March 2016. The death toll from this single event was estimated at 30-35% of the colony. When I heard the news, I knew I had to cover this unique moment, but I had to wait three days to get the permits. I had only a few minutes to document the scene, which had a serene beauty.
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
