Turquino National Park.

Cuba possesses a butterfly fauna composed of 185 species of which 63 are endemic species or subspecies. Most endemics inhabit mountain forests and even when this vegetation type is preserved in some extent the conservation status of its butterfly fauna is unknown. Turquino National Park (TNP) at Sierra Maestra covers 232 km2 of forest from the sea level to Cuba highest peak, Pico Turquino (1974 m) and has great extensions of well-preserved evergreen and rainforests. TNP has highest values of Cuban biodiversity including amphibians, reptiles, and flora. It is possible that this richness is also elevated in many insect groups, including Lepidoptera. 42 butterfly species are already known from TNP, 13 of them are Cuban endemics. As for entire island butterfly fauna, nothing is known about actual conservation status of Turquino butterflies which are absent from park management policy. Important data for species conservation including larval host plants, adult food sources and preferred habitat are also unknown for almost all endemics.

Calisto smintheus, the only butterfly species restricted to Sierra Maestra

This project will increase knowledge on TNP butterflies by completing its inventory and getting information on its biology. Information on species biology like habitat, host plants used, and adult nectar sources are critical for butterfly conservation. We will provide data on populations of endemic butterflies inhabiting the park together with an overview of its conservation status when project ends. Butterflies’ populations will be sampled trough transect line method at all park vegetation types.

Results will be available through scientific publications, pamphlets, a guide of park butterflies, and events. Our work will be oriented also to capacitating park personnel by talks and delivery of graphic materials on TNP butterflies and its natural history.

Capacitating of personnel will allow use information acquired by us to enhance park management policy and development of park ecotourism. After project park personnel would develop monitoring scheme of endemic butterflies and will be able to continue the record of data on species biology to improve management in the future.