is tagging safe?

[applestar]

I saw a youtube video NY Times The Long Journey Home about the tagging program. It said that Mexican farmers are paid $5 for each tag recovered. Isn't there a chance of abuse where live butterflies are manhandled or killed for the sake of the tags? Also, is there sufficient proof that the butterflies are not off-balanced, etc. by the tags? I was going to tag our butterflies after we raise the caterpillars this year.

A little bit worried....

[Mona Miller]

Butterflies have been tagged since 1954. There is more of a risk for damage from being netted for the tagging I think than the tag being placed on the butterfly. I have worked with elementary school children and they can safely place a tag on a butterfly after a bit of instruction that is how easy it is.

http://www.monarchwatch.org/tagmig/tag.htm
Migration and Tagging