A citizen science programme in Timanfaya National Park uses butterfly monitoring as an indicator of environmental quality. In June, 157 specimens were counted on a short route.
Butterflies, more than a visual spectacle, are a scientific tool. Timanfaya National Park, in Lanzarote, has launched a monitoring programme for these insects to assess the health status of its ecosystems. The initiative, framed within a citizen science project, allows for the measurement of environmental quality in the protected area through the presence and abundance of these pollinators.
Tragsa biologist Rosa Betancort explained this Thursday on Lancelot Radio that butterflies are a key indicator. “The health of insects and the number we can find in nature is an indicator of the quality of an ecosystem or the proper functioning of a system,” she noted. Betancort highlighted that the absence of pollinators would have serious consequences for flora and fauna.
“When there are no pollinators, everything goes wrong. If we do not find pollinators in the fields, it will be difficult to find fruits and new generations of plants later,” the expert warned. The data collected this year reflects a positive situation: in June, 157 butterflies were counted on a relatively short route. Betancort attributed this abundance to the winter rains, which favoured the growth of vegetation and, consequently, the proliferation of insects.
The monitoring not only provides information about butterflies but also allows for the assessment of the entire ecological chain. These insects form the food base for numerous birds and other animals, so their presence or absence has a domino effect on the ecosystem.
Betancort took the opportunity to send a message of awareness to park visitors. “Any visit to nature must always be from a place of respect,” she stated. She recommended keeping dogs on a leash during the nesting season, avoiding disturbing the landscape, and limiting oneself to observing and photographing butterflies without handling them. “If we see them on a plant, we can observe them, we can photograph them, but certainly not try to catch them,” she insisted.
The butterfly monitoring programme in Timanfaya is part of a broader network of citizen science that seeks to involve the population in environmental conservation. Volunteers can participate in the censuses and contribute to data collection, which expands the scope of the study and promotes ecological awareness.
For residents and tourists in Lanzarote, the initiative offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and understand the importance of biodiversity. Timanfaya National Park, declared a World Heritage Site, is a fragile ecosystem where each species plays a crucial role. Monitoring butterflies helps park managers make informed decisions for their conservation.
The biologist reminded that the presence of butterflies is not only an indicator of ecological health but also a symptom of air and soil quality. “These insects are very sensitive to environmental changes, so their study alerts us to potential problems before they manifest in other species,” she explained.
The monitoring programme will continue over the coming months, with special attention to the periods of maximum butterfly activity, which usually coincide with spring and summer. The data collected will be integrated into national and international databases, contributing to global knowledge about biodiversity.
For nature lovers, Betancort's recommendation is clear: enjoy the butterflies without interfering in their life cycle. “Observing and photographing is the best way to appreciate their beauty without causing them harm,” she concluded.
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