Butterflies in the the National Park "Alpet e Shqipërisë".

The Albanian Alps are a continuation of the Dinaric Mountains and extend to the north of Albania, to the west of Kosovo and to the south-east of Montenegro. These Alps extend to the valleys of the Ibri, covering a length of about 50 km. From an altitude of 500–600 m, they rise and reach over 2,000 m, being accompanied by the deep river valleys of Peja, Deçan and Erenik, with Drin as their southern border.The National Park "Alpet e Shqipërisë" part of the Albania Alps, is one of the most important natural areas in Albania. It includes the highest peaks of the Albanian Alps, such as Maja e Jezercës, which reaches a height of 2,694 meters.The park is a habitat rich in biodiversity, including about 1,200 species of plants, many of which are endemic, and the animal world is rich and diverse, over 200 species of birds and 50 species of mammals, including many species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. In this ecosystem we can find large, protected and rare mammals such as lynx, wild goat, roe deer and bear. Also, in the fresh waters of the alpine rivers lives the otter, a species that faces global danger.The National Park of Albanian Alps is a protected area that was announced by the decision of the Council of Ministers no. 59, on January 26, 2022. This park includes the ecosystems known as "Valbona Valley" and "Theth Park", which have been declared as a national park (category II), as well as "Gashi Valley", which has the status of strict natural reserve (category I). In total, the Albanian Alps National Park covers an area of 82,844.65 hectares.The park's geology is characterized by various rock formations, such as limestone, that create spectacular landscapes with high cliffs and deep valleys. Different climates, from alpine to Mediterranean, contribute to a diverse ecosystem that supports the existence of a wide range of species. This makes this natural park an object of study for scientists and ecologists, offering opportunities for research in conservation biology and climate change, as well as promoting sustainable tourism and nature protection.Among the groups of fauna in the "Albanian Alps" National Park, Lepidoptera, or butterflies, constitute an important order of the class of Insects with an important impact on the park ecosystems. This park offers a diverse habitat with a different climate and landscape, which favours the diversity of insects in general and in particular of this order. Lepidoptera play an important role in the pollination of plants, helping in their reproduction and in the preservation of biodiversity. In addition to their ecological role, Lepidoptera are also indicators of environmental health. Their presence and their species composition can indicate changes in habitat and the impacts of climate change on biodiversity. The study of Lepidoptera in this park helps to monitor the ecosystem and provides valuable information for biodiversity management and conservation strategies. Thus, Lepidoptera contribute not only to the support of the ecosystem, but also to the preservation of nature in the Albanian Alps.The valorisation of the composition of Lepidoptera (Papilionidae) species in the "Albanian Alps" National Park is important for the preservation of the biodiversity and natural wealth of this ecosystem. The presence of these insects indicates a healthy and balanced ecosystem, and the identification of different species of this order helps to assess the environmental condition. A rich Lepidoptera biodiversity is a good indicator for habitat conservation and can help develop strategies for sustainable park management.In addition to their ecological role, butterflies have cultural and educational importance. These species offer opportunities for scientific research and environmental tourism activities, increasing interest in nature and caring for it. Education and awareness of the importance of butterflies can encourage visitors and local communities to engage in biodiversity conservation efforts. Thus, the valorisation of butterfly’s species not only contributes to the preservation of the park's natural wealth, but also promotes a sustainable culture and respect for nature.