Colima's Biological Diversity
Colima which is only 5,191 km² but with
487 
recorded birds, has an
avian richness comparable to 45% of the birds of the Continental United States
(1,090 spp) and 73% of Canadian birds (664 spp) or 42% of the total avian
richness of both the USA and Canada combined (1,166 spp)! Colima's avian richness is 83% of the United Kingdom's
richness (586 spp) and 59% of Continental Europe (829 spp). Think about that,
Colima at 5,191 km2 is 1/2000th the size of Continental
Europe (10, 530,000 km2) yet has more than half the bird species of
Europe!
Regarding butterflies, with 321 species of true butterflies, Colima has a fauna about 77% the size of that of Canada and the Continental United States combined (416 spp).
This is because Colima lies at 19
degrees North within the Tropic of Cancer and thus has
a stong
neotropical influence. On the other hand, the high mountain ranges within
the state (2,000 meters asl) and the Colima Volcanoes (which reach altitudes of
4,000 meters asl) are continuous with the Mexican Plateau or altiplano allowing
for a strong
neartic influence. It is this mixing of neotropical and neartic (temperate)
species that creates the very high biodiversity of Colima. Not only in
respect
to birds and butterflies, but also reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and insects.
For example, higher up on the volcanoes you can find Bobcats, a temperate
species, whereas at lower elevations you can find Ocelots, Margays, and
Jaguarundis which are neotropical species.
On Cerro Grande, you can even find tracks of the elusive Jaguar at 2,000 meters elevation within the pine and oak forests!
To facilitate your understanding of the incredible avian and lepidoptera diversity of Colima, we have put together checklists, for each of the 487 species of birds and 321 species of butterflies.