Butterfly migration is a unique aspect of winter in Taiwan. But for one butterfly species, life got a big shakeup after Typhoon Morakot in 2009. Habitats in Taitung that had supported the milkweed species for generations were suddenly unfit to be a home. Now butterfly experts are delighted to see the species returning to the area. The picky creatures can only live in a healthy environment, they say. So that means seeing the milkweeds coming back is a sign of ecological healing.

Butterflies as far as the eye can see – enough to make you swoon.

Taiwan’s milkweed species is one of only two butterfly species in the world which migrate in the winter. In years gone by, they would fly to Taitung in December. But in 2009’s Typhoon Morakot many trees in the butterflies’ habitat were destroyed. After 10 years of rehabilitation, the habitat is gradually returning to its healthy state, and the milkweeds are coming home for the winter again – one by one.

Chao Jen-fang
Butterfly expert
In the last few years, something rather unusual occurred, which is because of Typhoon Morakot, for the last 10 years or so, our habitats have been gradually regenerating.

This butterfly expert says milkweeds struggle to find habitats. In the north, they need good cover to shelter themselves from the Northeast Monsoon winds.

They need lots of trees and leafy foliage too. That means their return to the area is a good indicator of serious ecological recovery.

Chao Jen-fang
Butterfly expert
Their survival is threatened by these things, so that’s why we should preserve the remaining habitats better for these butterflies and protect their ecology.

These habitats support hundreds of thousands of butterflies. They all need special protection. Experts warn that crashing about in a space can disturb the butterflies’ habitat. If you do go out looking for these winged beasts, make sure to respect their hard-won homes, so we can all see the butterflies back here again next year.