# Monarch Migration - Tracking Monarch Butterfly Migration

> Science tool for tracking monarch butterfly migration behavior and navigation. (iPhone/iPad app by Conserve.IO.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/monarch-migration-tracking-monarch-butterfly-migration/id1023464725 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Conserve.IO](https://appshunter.io/developer/651453353)
- Category: Education, Navigation
- Price: Free
- Rating: 1.80/5 from 5 App Store ratings · 4 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 7.0 · 100 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2015-09-12
- Data updated: 2026-08-18
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/monarch-migration-tracking-monarch-butterfly-migration/id1023464725/reviews.md

## What is Monarch Migration?

Monarch migration is a science research tool for tracking the migration behavior of monarch butterflies.  Its primary function is to allow users to quickly enter location information and flight characteristics (body direction and flight direction) for upload to a cloud-based server.  The directional data is gathered from the mobile devices compass.  Georeferencing and time is gathered from the devices OS.  There are two projects this will support: 

Marine Monarchs:  a focused program to study how monarch butterflies use offshore oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico.  This is project is run by Dr. Tracy Villareal at the University of Texas, Austin.  The program is described at  https://sites.cns.utexas.edu/marine_monarchs.  Observations are needed in the September to October window when monarchs are in their fall migration.   

Migration Compasses:  Dr. Chip Taylor of Monarch Watch (Kansas University) is interested in the compasses that monarchs use during their migration. This app will gather information on both the bearing of the butterfly’s body (body vector) and a separate measurement of the direction they are moving (the vanishing bearing or flight vector).  Information on Monarch Watch can be found at  http://monarchwatch.org/

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Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life.

## Key features

- Track monarch butterfly migration
- Record location and flight data
- Utilize device compass for direction
- Upload data to cloud server
- Support for Marine Monarchs project
- Support for Migration Compasses project

## Recent user reviews (4 of 4)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/monarch-migration-tracking-monarch-butterfly-migration/id1023464725/reviews.md

### 1/5 — APP 🚫 WORK

*2025-10-31*

The app will not do anything except open to the main screen.  I’ve tried several times and no luck on using the app.  ☹️

### 1/5 — It didnt do what i wanted it to

*2022-11-08*

I thought it tracked butterflies (My mom and me raise butterflies) and it didnt so now im upset and angry

### 1/5 — It will not open past the welcome screen.

*2016-08-05*

I loved the idea of this app. I downloaded it but the first thing I noticed were the initial permissions disappearing BEFORE I could answer, then the whole app crashes. I restarted 3 times, hoping this is a bug that will correct itself. It did not. I deleted the app.

### 1/5 — Can't Open App

*2016-07-19*

The icon is pretty, & the topic is of concern, but all attempts to open result in crash. 
ERHmd

## Frequently asked questions about Monarch Migration

### What is Monarch Migration used for?

Monarch Migration is a science research tool designed to help users track and record data related to monarch butterfly migration behavior. It allows for the quick entry of location and flight characteristics for upload to a cloud-based server.

### What research projects does Monarch Migration support?

Monarch Migration supports two research projects: 'Marine Monarchs,' which studies how butterflies use offshore oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico, and 'Migration Compasses,' which investigates the navigation methods monarchs use during their migration.

### How does Monarch Migration collect directional data?

The app utilizes the mobile device's built-in compass to gather directional data, including the butterfly's body direction and flight direction. Georeferencing and time stamps are automatically collected from the device's operating system.

### Is Monarch Migration free to use?

Yes, Monarch Migration is available for free. It does not have any in-app purchases or advertisements, making it a completely free tool for users.

### What devices is Monarch Migration compatible with?

Monarch Migration is designed for iOS devices, specifically supporting iPhones, iPads, and iPods. It requires iOS 4.3 or later.

### How often is Monarch Migration updated?

Monarch Migration was last updated on November 11, 2015, to version 1.1. It was initially released on September 12, 2015. Users should check for future updates for any new features or bug fixes.

### What is the age rating for Monarch Migration?

Monarch Migration has an age rating of 4+. This indicates it is suitable for children and general audiences, with no mature content.

### Can using Monarch Migration affect my device's battery life?

The app description notes that continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life. Users should be mindful of this when actively tracking.

## Version history (last 2 releases)

### 1.1 — 2015-11-11

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

- iOS fixes to Butterfly Sighting Display
- GPS is now only used when the app is running in the foreground

### 1.0 — 2015-09-12

No release notes.

## Apps similar to Monarch Migration

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
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| [Artemis Mission Tracker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/artemis-mission-tracker/id6761183798) | 4.2 (5) | Free | Education |
| [Animal Tracker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/animal-tracker/id813629500) | 3.5 (27) | Free | Education |
| [Monarch Watch](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/monarch-watch/id1622788215) | 4.7 (6) | Free | Education |

## More apps by Conserve.IO

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All apps by Conserve.IO: https://appshunter.io/developer/651453353

## Related topics

[butterfly migration](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/butterfly-migration) · [project monarch science](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/project-monarch-science) · [project monarch science app](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/project-monarch-science-app) · [monarch mobile](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/monarch-mobile)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-18.*
