An Earthwatch
TeachLive Project
Supported by National Geographic Education Foundation
| Significance of Butterflies |
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Why are butterflies so important? Why are the sometimes present in great numbers and other times barely visible at all? These
are questions conservation scientists began to ask when beginning
a project to promote the restoration of Vietnam's forest.
Butterflies, it turns out, tell a lot about the health of a forest. These decorative insects are rarely given credit for anything other than adornment - but in recent years scientists have begun to understand just how important they really are. When butterfly populations begin to dwindle, it is a warning sign that something in the forest isn't quite right. This is how nature speaks to us; through its survival - and sometime through its demise. For other websites about butterflies and the forest look at links listed in the Appendix. |
| Volunteers |
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Volunteers on this project will assist the local researcher, Dr. Vu Van Lien, in collecting data on existing species within the forest of the Tam Dao region. . The Tam Dao Mountains are a high plains area north of Vietnam. Butterfly species in this area are still being identified and censused. The volunteers will assist in taking photographs and example specimins of butterflies, caterpillars and food plant species, as well as conduct a census on all three. Participants work in teams in Vietnam, as they do in many Earthwatch Projects. This year (in 2006) there are 7 teams scheduled. Not everyone on a team receives a fellowship like the teachers on this project did - in fact, most people pay their own way to work on a volunteer team. |
| Why Vietnam? |
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A healthy forest means cleaner air for humans - not only humans that live in the same region but anywhere in the world. Vietnam has struggled with conservation but in recent years has shown interest in restoring her forests to natural conditions. Forest restoration takes a long time and a lot of work. It would be impossible if only one person were doing it alone. Helping in projects
like this one do more than help local researchers and conservationists;
they also help the volunteer - by allowing them to experience the
world in different situations and circumstances. |
| About this website |
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Volunteer blogs and photos are available by selecting the appropriate links. |
site and materials by Bonita Coleman