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ABSTRACT We present an estimation of the potential species richness of frogs, and diurnal butterflies distributed in the departments of Norte de Santander and Santander, Colombia, and analyze the implications for conservation of such high Andean species. From June 2012 to May 2016, we sampled across the Almorzadero, Santurbán and Tamá biogeographical units to gather presence data of 7 anuran species and 29 butterflies species from the superfamily Papilionoidea. We modeled the potential distribution of each species, converted every model to binary, and the sum up of unique species per cell allowed to estimate the model of potential richness, generating the total number of species for every 1 km2 cell. Every model was validated against field data, vegetation cover, and altitude. Our results suggest the existence of species' concentration zones, specifically in the places of convergence between biogeographical units; it was evident the high levels of data deficiency in some places. Finally, it was clear the importance of these zones as a continuum of biogeographic conditions to maintain the biological diversity.
RESUMEN Presentamos una estimación de la riqueza potencial y las implicaciones para la conservación de especies altoandinas de anuros y de mariposas diurnas, distribuidas en los departamentos de Norte de Santander y Santander. Durante junio de 2012 y mayo de 2016 se realizaron muestreos de campo en las unidades biogeográficas de Almorzadero, Santurbán y Tamá, para registrar los datos de presencia de siete especies de anfibios del orden Anura y 29 de mariposas de la superfamilia Papilionoidea. Realizamos modelamientos de la distribución potencial de cada especie, convertimos cada modelo en binario, y la suma de especies únicas por celda permitió estimar el modelo de riqueza potencial, obteniendo el número total de especies por cada celda de 1 km2; a su vez, los modelos fueron superpuestos sobre información de campo, cobertura vegetal y altitudinal. Nuestros resultados sugieren que existen zonas concretas de concentración de especies en las zonas de convergencia entre las unidades biogeográficas, así como zonas con vacíos de información. Resaltamos la importancia de estas zonas como un continuo de condiciones biogeográficas para mantener la diversidad.
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BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: The recognition of communities of arthropods with medical importance in natural systems constitutes an important step in the prediction of possible epidemic events and/or emergence of infectious diseases in the human population. This is due to anthropogenic impact in natural areas and landscape modification, which changes the dynamics of pathogenic agents, reservoirs, and vector insects. In this study, an inventory was compiled of species of the genus Lutzomyia present in sub-Andean forest from the confluence of the Pamplonita River basin. METHODS: CDC-light and Shannon traps were used for collecting adult phlebotomine sandflies during the month of October 2013 in a sub-Andean forest from river basin Pamplonita. All specimens were identified using morphological keys. The epidemiological relevance of each species was reported using a literature review about natural infection or vector incrimination with Leishmania species or other pathogens microorganism. RESULTS: A total of 2755 specimens belonging to eight species of the genus Lutzomyia were collected. Out of the eight species, seven belonged to the group verrucarum (Lutzomyia sp--townsendi series, L. ovallesi, L. spinicrassa, L. serrana, L. townsendi, L. nuneztovari and L. pia), while one belonged to the subgenus Helcocyrtomyia (L. hartmanni). A new registry of L. townsendi was observed for the Norte de Santander department. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The appreciable diversity of the verrucarum group observed in this area suggest further investigation on the biogeography and evolution of this group, and epidemiological risk for human populations around this area, as there are reports of Leishmania natural infection and favourable conditions for domestication of phlebotomines in rural towns.