Amphibians are also thought to be good indicators of environmental stresses since they are often exposed to both aquatic and terrestrial pollutants, and their skin is highly permeable to many toxins. Some biologists believe that among the vertebrates, amphibians may be the best animals to use as biological indicators of ongoing and impending environmental degradation. Similarly, insects, due to their size and specialization, are often especially susceptible to extinction when vegetation and habitat are modified. Because insects make up the greatest percentage of Earth's biodiversity, measured as biomass or species richness, they are useful as estimators of ecosystem health. However, many insects are not well described.
Butterflies are one of the exceptions, being well-studied in many regions of the world.
Like amphibians, butterflies have been shown to be potentially valuable ecological indicators. In this project we will follow a three-tiered process, beginning with an inventory. A long-term monitoring program of selected groups and abiotic variables will then be developed, providing feedback for potential adjustments of management activities to reverse or avoid undesired trends. Both the inventory and subsequent monitoring will lead to land management recommendations. We are collaborating with Carmen Pozo, lepidopterist and curator of Colegio de la Frontera Sur , Quintana Roo.