Increasing capacity for monitoring in the tropics


EntoGEM is a community-driven systematic mapping project that aims to identify and catalogue multi-year insect population and community datasets. The goal of the project is to make the process of identifying studies for syntheses of insect trends easier and to support other RCN activities.


What is this group about?

As you might know, the Neotropical region usually lacks long term population research that can help us to assess the real decline of insects in our region. Some of us might have the perception that the populations are declining based on our own experiences, but there is not an easy quantifiable way to assess these trends. Our region is considered one of the world's most important biodiversity rich regions, due the habitat heterogeneity within it. This group aims to consolidate a network of entomologists, ecologists, conservation biologists, and citizen scientists from or working in the Neotropical region to address fundamental questions about insect monitoring actual status, its limitations and proposed possible strategies to increase them.

Why participate?

Are you concerned about the rapid decline of insect populations in the Neotropical region? Are you passionate about biodiversity conservation and sustainable development? Then this is the perfect opportunity for you to get involved!

By participating in this working group, you will be part of a groundbreaking research initiative that aims to assess the current status of insect decline in our region. You will also have the chance to join a dynamic and diverse network of professionals, policymakers, educators, communicators, and enthusiasts who are committed to promoting informed decision making and policy development in our region.

But that's not all! By contributing to this project, you will help to raise awareness about the limitations of insect monitoring in our region and draw the attention of the global community to this critical issue. So, if you want to make a meaningful impact and be part of a passionate community of changemakers, we encourage you to join us today!

What is our immediate project?

Our immediate project is to write a comprehensive paper on the current status of insect monitoring in the Neotropical region. To achieve this goal, we plan to conduct a thorough review of the literature published, with an emphasis on the last two decades, across the region. Our aim is to identify the existing research on insect monitoring and assess the effectiveness of current strategies. By doing so, we can strategize on how to improve insect monitoring in the region based on the available information.

We believe that this paper will be a crucial contribution to the scientific community and policymakers in the region. It will help to raise awareness of the urgent need for effective insect monitoring strategies and inform decision-making for conservation efforts. Join us on this exciting project and help us make a difference in the future of insect populations in the Neotropical region.

How to contribute or participate?

Are you interested or passionate about insects in the Neotropical region? Whether you're an undergraduate or graduate student, professor, independent researcher, citizen scientist, amateur entomologist, educator, or science communicator, we welcome you to join our working group. To participate, simply fill out this form with your contact information, affiliation, and the specific task you'd like to be involved in. Our current tasks include:

  • Creating a database of biodiversity and insect monitoring references for each order, including non-English languages such as Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Dutch
  • Compiling collection-based information from fieldwork courses and personal collections
  • Gathering data from citizen science platforms such as iNaturalist and Facebook groups
  • Creating literature on agricultural pest and medical entomological insect monitoring
  • Establishing a database of commonly used insect monitoring techniques in our region
  • Brainstorming and documenting limitations to insect monitoring

We'll have Zoom virtual meetings every two months to reassess our roadmap and timelines for achieving our goals. All meetings will have simultaneous translation available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.By participating in our working group, you'll gain valuable research experience and contribute to the scientific community through scientific papers. You'll also make a difference in conservation efforts in our region. Join us today!

If you have any doubts or questions please contact Dr. Melissa Sánchez Herrera working group interim chair at: melsanc@gmail.com