The conservation status of Atlantea pantoni (Kaye, 1906) (Nymphalidae: Nymphalinae: Melitaeini: Chlosynina) in Jamaica, West Indies

Abstract

The conservation status of the endemic Panton’s Fritillary, Atlantea pantoni (Kaye 1906), one of Jamaica’s most attractive butterflies, is evaluated. This species is confined to the rugged, mostly impenetrable, forested landscapes of west central Jamaica which include the southern Cockpit Country. Land clearance has divided what was a single small population into four smaller known fragments with a loss of approximately 91% of former estimated occupied territory. This habitat is threatened by further loss of territory from ongoing deforestation and bauxite mining activities.