Butterflies are very good indicators of the health of ecosystems. In recent years, the number of butterflies and the diversity of butterfly species have been depressingly low on our island. Some species have completely disappeared from view and have not been seen for more than 10 years. And that is a bad sign. Butterflies are important pollinators of various plants, including food plants that we as humans depend on. In addition, butterflies and their caterpillars are important food sources for many animals such as lizards and anoles, and also many birds. Some migratory bird species from North America, for example, also depend on them. They can only survive the crossing if they find enough protein-rich food here, at their resting place, to eat themselves round again. That food comes in the form of butterflies and caterpillars. When they have recovered, they continue their journey.