Genetic diversity of butterflies and its perspectives as key information for defining conservation strategies in the high-mountain ecosystems of Colombia

Abstract

Colombia stands out as one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world. However, this natural wealth is threatened due to the continuous transformation of its ecosystems, driven largely by human activities. High-mountain ecosystems, known as “paramos”, are among the priority biomes for conservation in the country. These environments harbor high levels of endemism and beta diversity and play a critical role in the capture, regulation, and provision of water resources. Population parameters derived from genetic analysis have become a fundamental tool for characterizing the structure, variability, and connectivity of natural populations. Insects such as butterflies have been used as a reference for the state of an ecosystem since butterfly population parameters can be extrapolated to the rest of the local biota. This information is key for identifying priority conservation areas and designing effective management strategies. In this context, diurnal butterflies emerge as valuable bioindicators: their response to environmental changes and genetic diversity allows inferences about the health and resilience of paramo ecosystems. This article presents key perspectives on the relevance of genetic diversity as a useful input in defining conservation strategies in Colombian “paramos”. By applying genetic analysis to focal butterfly species, the aim is to strengthen decision-making, prioritize vulnerable populations, support supplementation programs, guide assisted migration efforts, and ultimately contribute to the formulation of long-term conservation policies.