Sanitary Logging in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve: One Problem, One Legislation but Different Criteria and Different Treatments

A stark discrepancy exists in the management of bark beetle outbreaks within the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, driven by differing criteria and treatments despite shared federal legislation. While Michoacán reports a high incidence rate of 41 outbreaks per km²—triggered even by a single infested tree—Estado de México's stricter threshold (three or more trees) results in just 1.5 outbreaks per km². This study, employing qualitative analysis through 21 semi-structured interviews, reveals that the differences stem from local administrative and technical procedures, exposing potential legal inadequacies. The findings underscore the need for unified, conservation-focused strategies to address bark beetle management, rather than relying solely on sanitary logging, which may be influenced by non-conservation interests.

Gómez‐Pineda, E., Špirić, J., Pérez‐Salicrup, D. R., & Ramírez, M. I. (2025). Sanitary Logging in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve: One Problem, One Legislation but Different Criteria and Different Treatments. Land Degradation & Development, 37(7), 2795–2808. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.70276