A perspective on biodiversity in Nicaragua: interview with Jean-Michel Maes

Currently, I am on vacation in Nicaragua. Nonetheless, being a biologist I could not resist to share what I learned so far about the rich biodiversity of this country. Nicaragua is located in Central America and is characterized by linking different worlds: first, the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean and second North and South America. This results in a rich flora and fauna rivaling those of the much better known Costa Rica. Here, I talk to Jean-Michel Maes a biologist originally from Belgium. He specialized in Entomology (the study of insects), with over 40 years of working experience. We touch on various topics such as: beautiful butterflies that are more common (Papilio polyxenes) or very rare (Morpho cypris aphrodite, the blue butterfly from the cover of this episode); about different ecosystems such as dry forests and cloud forests; about agriculture (including coffee for which Nicaragua is well known) it’s impact on biodiversity and people; alternative approaches in agriculture; new approaches to study diversity and how to attract young people to the field of science, conservation and ecotourism.

Literature from Jean-Michel Maes

MAES J.M. (1998) Insectos de Nicaragua. Vol. I. MARENA, Managua, Nicaragua. Pp. 1-485.

(http://www.bio-nica.info/Biblioteca/Maes1998InsectosNicaragua-l.pdf)

MAES J.M. (1998) Insectos de Nicaragua. Vol. II. MARENA, Managua, Nicaragua. Pp. 487-1169.

(http://www.bio-nica.into/Biblioteca/Maes1998InsectosNicaragua-Il.pdf)

MAES J.M. (1999) Insectos de Nicaragua. Vol. III. MARENA, Managua, Nicaragua. Pp. 1170-1898.

(http://www.bio-nica.info/Biblioteca/Maes1999InsectosNicaragua-IIl.pdf)

Literature about insect decline in Europe

Hallmann, C. A., Jongejans, E., Hörren, T., Sorg, M., Siepel, H., Mühlethaler, R., … & de Kroon, H. (2025). Weather anomalies cannot explain insect decline. Nature, 639(8054), E7-E11.