Strategy for Reserves and Conservation: Specialisation in Phasmida

Illuminating the Neotropical biodiversity "blind spot"

In the Neotropics, phasmids represent one of the most fascinating and, simultaneously, least studied biological groups in modern entomology. Currently, taxonomic knowledge about stick and leaf insects in this region is almost non-existent, creating a critical information shadow for protected area managers.

Our work at New World Phasmids is to transform this void into a strategic opportunity. In a scenario where only 12% of the world's territory has been sampled for insects, every specialised sampling campaign we conduct in Neotropical reserves recurringly results in the discovery of species new to science.

Our Services

• Phasmida Inventories

  We convert your reserve's or station's biological wealth into rigorous technical inventories, fundamental for real territory management.

  • Detection of Undescribed Species: We implement specific search protocols to locate phasmids that go unnoticed in generalist inventories.
  • Taxonomic Cataloguing: We generate validated technical lists documenting the presence of unique, endemic or species new to science.
  • Conservation Basis: We provide the scientific data necessary to justify management plans and reinforce the legal protection of your area against external threats.
  

• Local Outreach and Environmental Education

  Documentation of local fauna is the first critical step for conservation. Thanks to our technical intervention, your reserve will be able to transform scientific data into social awareness tools.

  • Creation of "Ambassador Species": We use the amazing mimicry and morphology of local phasmids to create educational content that emotionally connects the community with its environment.
  • Production of High-Level Outreach Material: We design field guides, technical signage and visual resources (taxonomic plates) that elevate your institution's educational prestige.
  • Value Transfer to the Community: We help local residents recognise the uniqueness of their territory, fostering a sense of pride based on the discovery of species that exist nowhere else in the world.
  

• High-Value Scientific Ecotourism

  The presence of rare and spectacular phasmid species is a magnet for a specialised, low-impact international tourism niche.

  • Technical Training for Guides: We equip your local staff with the scientific criteria and field methodologies required to lead expeditions of naturalists and scientific photographers.
  • Brand Differentiation: We position your reserve as a global reference destination for the study and observation of Neotropical phasmids.
  • Participatory Research: We facilitate the integration of advanced students and naturalists into our real campaigns as research assistants, dynamising the reserve's activity.
  

Fighting against biodiversity loss before it is even known to science

Due to the current "Taxonomic Impediment", much of biodiversity is being lost before even being discovered. A reserve that knows, documents and disseminates its phasmids not only protects its biological heritage but also becomes a global reference for active conservation.