Nature NB has introduced a groundbreaking method for tracking monarch butterflies in New Brunswick this year. Instead of relying on luck to find tagged butterflies along their migration route, the organization has deployed Bluetooth-enabled tags called BluMorpho tags on the monarchs. These tiny solar-powered tags, weighing only 0.066 grams, are attached to the butterfly’s thorax using eyelash glue and feature a small antenna along the abdomen.
Unlike traditional wing tags, the BluMorpho tags work through passive Bluetooth interactions. When individuals with Bluetooth enabled on their phones come within 100 meters of a tagged monarch, the data is automatically logged. This technology eliminates the need for physical recapture to collect data on the butterflies.
Francie Morgan, program coordinator with Nature NB, expressed excitement about this new approach to monarch conservation. The BluMorpho tags have already provided valuable insights into the monarch migration routes in the province. For example, researchers have confirmed Point Lepreau as a crucial stopover point for monarchs before they continue their journey towards Grand Manan.
Despite facing delays at the border, Nature NB plans to deploy 22 tags by the end of the season, with the potential for 13 more if the remaining shipment clears customs in time. Jim Wilson from the Point Lepreau Bird Observatory highlighted the significance of this technology, emphasizing how it allows real-time tracking of monarchs compared to the previous method of relying on chance sightings.
By tracking individual migration routes, researchers aim to identify key natural corridors that monarchs rely on during their journey. This information could help prioritize conservation efforts to protect these crucial areas and ensure the survival of the monarch population. To follow the tagged monarchs, individuals can download the Project Monarch app, with tags in New Brunswick starting with the prefix PLBO. Nature NB expects a total of 22 monarchs to be tagged with this innovative technology by the end of the season.