Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea) and their conservation implications in Pico do Jabre, a montane forest enclave in PARNA Serra do Teixeira, Maturéia, Paraíba, Brazil - (2026)
Acessos: 15
Solange Maria Kerpel, Aurino Ferreira Júnior, Emanoel Pereira Gualberto, Bruna Lima de Araujo, Kawan Andrade, Adalberto Dantas de Medeiros, Arthur Morais de Medeiros, Olaf Hermann Hendrik Mielke
Volume: 19 - Issue: 0
Resumo.
The Caatinga comprises the largest Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest in South America, with humid enclaves known as ‘Brejos de Altitude’, characterized by distinct climate and flora. Pico do Jabre is one such ‘Brejo de Altitude’ and is part of the recently created Parque Nacional da Serra do Teixeira. It is notable for its significant biological diversity, including endangered and newly described species. Studies on butterflies in the ‘Brejo de Altitude’ show high diversity, but knowledge gaps remain. This study aims to assess and compare butterfly species richness and composition across different altitudes and phytophysiognomies of Pico do Jabre and to discuss their conservation implications. Sampling was conducted over 48 months along six transects ranging from 740 to 1,197 m in altitude, using entomological nets and Van Someren-Rydon traps. A total of 207 butterfly species were recorded, belonging to six families, 19 subfamilies, and 147 genera. Hesperiidae was the richest family (73 spp.), followed by Nymphalidae (59 spp.), Lycaenidae (37 spp.), Pieridae (20 spp.), Riodinidae (12 spp.), and Papilionidae (6 spp.). The survey revealed 11 new records for the Northeast of Brazil and 27 for Paraíba. The analysis of faunal composition revealed differences between the base and the top, including species exclusive to each zone. These finding underscores the importance of conserving both areas to ensure the preservation of local biodiversity. Accordingly, a set of recommendations is proposed to support the conservation and sustainable development of Pico do Jabre.
Keywords: altitudinal variation, brejo de altitude, Caatinga, richness
Idioma: English
Registro: 2026-06-26 19:22:35
https://www.entomobrasilis.org/index.php/ebras/article/view/1131