Butterflies as Guardians of the Amazon: Science, Conservation, and Community: PART IV

by

María F. Checa

April 25, 2025

Scientist measuring butterfly wings for study

Part IV: How We Work Together to Make Advances in Conservation

Discover how butterflies are helping scientists track climate change in the Amazon. Through a groundbreaking collaboration with park rangers and researchers, this project uses butterfly monitoring to protect one of Earth’s most biodiverse regions.

All-hands involved

Photo: All of the project staff, including researchers, students and park rangers, participated in the international Meeting of Neotropical Lepidoptera ELEN VIII in Ecuador during July, 2024. 

Researchers and park rangers presented the results of the project. This was a great opportunity to interact with internationally acclaimed scientists.

Photo: Mayra Licuy, a park ranger from Yasuni presenting the poster: Diversity of butterflies from Yasuni National Park, a study carried out by park rangers who protect them.

We created and delivered a package of environmental education materials for the Ministry of Environment offices in Yasuni National Park in order to support their current programs for children in local communities.

Photo: Message in Facebook page of the Ministry of Environment thanking us and Rainforest Partnership for the environmental education material donated.

Our project was in the news! Mongabay and the DW from Germany both published articles about our project.

Photo: Park rangers and researchers setting up a feeding station at 30 m above the ground in the forest canopy using a notch big shot.

 

These achievements demonstrate the growing visibility and impact of our butterfly monitoring project. By bringing together park rangers, researchers, and students on national and international platforms, we are not only advancing scientific knowledge but also uplifting the voices of those working directly in the field. The recognition from global media, government entities, and academic institutions affirms the value of our collaborative model. As we continue to share our story, we hope it inspires others to invest in community-based conservation efforts and highlights the powerful role butterflies can play in protecting our planet’s most vital ecosystems.

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