Diversity patterns of the butterfly fauna of the Parque Nacional de Cabaneros and its surroundings (Ciudad Real, Central Spain) (Lepidoptera, Papilionoidea, Hesperioidea)

• Published in: Animal biodiversity and conservation Vol. 27; no. 2; pp. 15 - 24
• Main Authors: Jimenez-Valverde, A, Cano, J M, Munguira, M L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: 01.01.2004
• Subjects: Hesperioidea; Lepidoptera; Papilionoidea; Spain
• ISSN: 1578-665X

The butterfly species richness and faunistic composition in six plots with different land uses and dissimilar environmental diversity is studied in the Parque Nacional de Cabaneros and its surroundings (Ciudad Real, Central Spain). The holm-oak forest is the richest sampling plot, with a butterfly species composition that clearly differs from the rest of more humanized sampling plots. The pine plantation has the lowest values of species richness and abundances, with a faunistic composition quite similar to those of the sampling plots with a dominance of hostile habitats for butterflies (grasslands and crops), so the need to create clearings is emphasised. The importance of environmental diversity in humanized habitats and the need for proper management and conservation of woodlands is stressed in order to conserve butterfly biodiversity.