The effects of RIL were mainly detected in the understory butterfly assemblage, as significant differences were observed in species composition within this stratum.
Effects of the RIL regime, which include tree cutting, skid trails and roads openings, are stronger in the understory than in the canopy,explaining the reported differences. Despite the detectable effects of RIL on the composition of fruit-feeding butterfly assemblages, the overall diversity was not affected.
A similar pattern has been detected in many other groups, indicating that a noticeable part of the diversity of many taxa could be preserved in areas under RIL management.
Therefore, in view of the problems of creating protected areas in the Amazon, RIL is a good alternative to preserve fruit-feeding butterflies and surely many other taxa, and it might be a desirable economic alternative for the region.