El color de las mariposas como herramienta de monitoreo de la integridad ecológica de las cuencas andinas: Caso de estudio del bosque alto andino de la cuenca del río Subachoque (Subachoque, Cundinamarca)

Abstract

Historically, we have looked for tools that allow us to know the impact generated by anthropogenic activities on ecosystems. Among the organisms proposed as potential biological indicators, butterflies stand out because of their close relationship with plants and their high sensitivity to changes in vegetation. However, prior taxonomic and ecological knowledge is required from decision-makers to interpret the patterns of change that these bioindicators can give rise to concrete actions in favor of conservation. As a facilitating tool, a biological integrity index was formulated based on the spectral analysis of the coloration of butterflies, reducing the limitations of implementation of this type of indicators and strengthening the mechanisms of knowledge of the biotic in the management processes of Colombian river basins. The study was carried out in the Páramo de Guerrero Complex - (Subachoque, Colombia) which has suffered great negative impacts due to the extension of the agricultural frontier, in the zone butterflies were sampled in three contrasting coverings (forest, high transitional scrub, pasture-crop), comparing and associating wealth, structure, complexity and spectral footprint of the butterflies with the vegetation of each cover, this evidenced an association between the complexity of the vegetation and the dark tonalities of the butterflies, allowing to generate a range of color associated to each cover, being this the base of the index of biological integrity, associated to the component of strategic ecosystems proposed by the Colombian ministry of environment.