The first attempt to establish a nature reserve for the conservation of lepidoptera in Spain

Abstract The value of the flora and fauna of ‘El Regajal’, an estate in the province of Madrid, is described, and the efforts so far made to protect them are enumerated. The article begins with a historical background, a description of the geological and physiographical features and a study of the flora and vegetation, illustrated with a cross section of the terrain showing the distribution of the main plant species and a vegetation map. A brief analysis of the importance and significance of the lepidopteran fauna follows, illustrated with a map showing the distribution of the main colonies of Rhopalocera. Finally, the authors discuss the present situation and prospects of ‘El Regajal’ and summarize the efforts which have been made for the protection of this unique area.