Tropical Lepidoptera Research recently published new survey of butterfly diversity at Emerald Valley Nature Reserve in Honduras. In fact, the 45 acre mid-elevation rain forest situated along Lake Yojoa basin revealed many surprises during the study. This is the first comprehensive survey of its kind in the country, and it has revealed some fascinating findings. Including the discovery of the recently described Emesis eleanorae and at least 111 new records for Honduras.
Efforts to Assess Butterfly Diversity in Honduras are Ongoing
In many parts of Central America butterfly diversity is still poorly understood. Honduras remains one of the least studied of all the countries in the region. Robert Gallardo is working to change that. Gallardo’s new article outlines his ongoing, long-term assessment of Emerald Valley Nature Reserve and provides a list of 704 species recorded to date. To put this published species list into perspective, the butterfly diversity documented at Emerald Valley is like finding all the butterfly species within the United States and Canada (less than 800) in an area approximately 1/19th the size of Central Park. Talk about a biodiversity hotspot!
This survey provides invaluable insight into the diversity of butterfly species found in Honduras. This information will be key for future conservation efforts. It can help us better understand how to protect these creatures. After reading this new survey, you may be asking yourself, “How can I get to this butterfly utopia?”. Well, you can always join us for our upcoming Honduras Butterfly Festival and Conservation Tour. We will visit this incredible property in January along with a couple other spectacular sites. Don’t wait too long, though, registration closes on December 1, 2022.
I’d love to know your thoughts on that property list, and as always, if you have any thoughts or questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments below.