The population ecology and conservation of montane endemic butterflies in Southern Mexico

Mexico has a large number of endemic insect species; some of these species are associated with relict habitats and small surviving populations, and thus are conservation targets. Tropical montane endemic species could be more susceptible to anthropocentric effects –including global warming- compared to relatively widespread species. We assessed the potential spatial distribution and population dynamics of key montane butterfly endemics in southern Mexico. Our results emphasize the need to perform population viability assessments to direct prevention or restoration actions to mitigate anthropogenic impacts and promote tropical insect conservation.