Butterflies stand out in forest fauna not only for their beauty but more importantly for their role in pollinating crops.  These insects also serve as good indicators of balance due to their sensitivity to pesticides and toxins.  A rich source of butterflies is Mt. Isarog in the Bicol Region.  With butterfly rearing as one of the alternative livelihoods being promoted in the region, the risk of exploiting said fauna could threaten these species.  To ensure that butterflies are preserved properly as well as inventoried systematically, Jovillano-Mostoles (CSSAC) assessed their conservation status from September to December 2005.

Findings

• The butterfly inventory yielded 41 species under 29 genera and 7 families in Mt. Isarog.  The butterfly families found were Nymphalidae (13 spp.), Pieridae (9 spp.), Papilionidae (8 spp), Danaidae (7 spp.), Satyridae (3 spp.), and Lycaenidae and Hesperidae (1 spp.)
• The Pieridae family was found significantly different in terms of abundance (28.67 +- 26.8) and diversity (.678).  The Hesperiids had the lowest abundance (3.0) and diversity (0).
• It was also observed that population was significantly higher in cultivated areas than in forest areas.  In contrast, butterflies in cooler areas had striking shades and hues compared with those in cultivated and grassland areas.
• Host plants for common butterflies were abundant but not for rare butterflies.

The study highly recommend that conservation measures be done on both the butterfly species and their host plants.  Similarly, reduction of trees and unregulated collection of adult fliers need to be addressed to conserve the abundance of butterflies in Mt. Isarog Natural Park (MINP).

Source:Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development.  Highlights 2005. Los Baños, Laguna:  PCARRD, 2006. 167p.