South Jersey technology helps track monarch butterflies on their migration to Mexico
A tracking device and mobile app developed in Cape May County allow researchers and the public to follow monarch butterflies and learn more about their migration.
More Stories
A South Jersey-based tracking system is helping researchers follow monarch butterflies along their migration from New Jersey to Mexico, offering new insights into how to protect the species as its population declines.
Cellular Tracking Technologies, based in Rio Grande, developed a lightweight electronic tracking device and the Project Monarch app, allowing researchers and the public to follow the butterflies' movements.
"It has a little solar panel on it. It also has a processor so that this very light tracking, electronic device can appear on a cell phone," said Bob Mullock, president of the Cape May Point Arts & Science Center.
The devices are carefully attached to monarch butterflies, often using eyelash glue, allowing their movements to be tracked.
Sean Burcher, of Cellular Tracking Technologies, said the information could help conservation efforts.
"For conservation efforts, it's really important for us to have data on their movements and what habitats they're using so we can learn how to better protect them," Burcher said.
"We're looking at the speed, timing and direction of migration and how it's related to wind patterns, what stopover habitats are they using," he said.
Monarch butterflies are pollinators that feed on nectar and help support wildflowers and other pollinators that contribute to crop growth.
"What's good for monarchs is good for a number of pollinator species and these species are extremely important to our environment," Burcher said.
Project Monarch is now a keystone program at the Cape May Point Arts & Science Center, where volunteers help support the initiative.
"We have a team of these people who give of themselves to make these projects happen," Mullock said.
The Project Monarch app also lets members of the public follow the butterflies' migration and take part in the effort.
