Peru is the country with more butterfly species!

There are more than 17,000 species of butterflies registered in the world. Peru holds the largest number of them with more than 4,000 species. They're specifically located in Cusco, the Amazon rainforest and Manu Reserve.

Peru is known worldwide for its impressive biodiversity. The Peruvian flora and fauna are appreciated in the entire planet, because it is home to thousands of species that are part of our territory, creating an impressive ecosystem. Due to the complexity of the microclimates in our jungle, highland and coast, the infinity of species signifies a challenge for bioresearchers since it is not humanly possible to register each and every one of them.

This is the case of butterflies. These are insects that impress with their colorful wings and they have always been a symbol of beauty, harmony and calm. In our country, we have the largest number of butterflies in the world, with more than 4,000 different species! In total, there are 17,000 registered species in the world.

These numbers, of course, are just a few of what could be thousands more. In Peru, the places with the highest concentration of butterflies are the Manu National Park, Cusco and Madre de Dios, where up to 1,300 species have been registered. The beautiful Machu Picchu has more than 400 species. In addition, there is the Tambopata National Reserve in the jungle of Madre de Dios, a huge tourist destination for butterfly watching. There are more than 1,000 species just here.

Did you know that Peru is one of the countries with the highest diversity of butterflies in the world? We have 4158! pic.twitter.com/NVmzPYUJLl

— Marca PERÚ (@marcaPERU) January 30, 2014

ACTIONS FOR PROTECTION

Butterflies are said to be an indicator of natural quality and the good condition of an ecosystem. For this reason, the SERNARP (National Service of Natural Protected Areas by the State), an agency attached to the Ministry of the Environment, has reported different actions that are being carried out to care for the habitat of thousands of species, including butterflies.

The Tambopata National Reserve, for example, has 95.5% of its territory in a good conservation. This is thanks to the eradication of illegal deforestation, mining and illegal logging activities. The Peruvian Amazon Research Institute (IIAP) signed an agreement with SERNARP in 2019 to reforest more than 570 hectares of this Reserve affected by illegal mining.

In addition to these tasks, it is important to include educational activities. This way, information about life cycles, diversity and diet of butterflies and other animals can be provided. All Peruvian living species are important.