Butterflies: India
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National butterfly
The top seven contenders
Shobita Dhar, September 10, 2020: The Times of India
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From: Shobita Dhar, September 10, 2020: The Times of India
Common jezebel, five-bar swordtail, Krishna peacock, yellow gorgon and Orange oakleaf are names of some butterflies common in most parts of the country. One of these might just become famous now as they are among the seven finalists in a first-of-its-kind poll to choose India’s ‘national butterfly’. A group of 50 butterfly enthusiasts, researchers, writers and experts from across India have got together to elect a national butterfly, just as we have a national bird and national animal. The poll process started in September, the ‘butterfly month’. The selection panel has well-known experts like Dr Krushnamegh Kunte and Issac Kehimkar.
The winged beauties were judged on nine criteria — they needed to have charisma, should not be a pest and too rare or too common wouldn’t do. They also had to be significant to culture and ecology and attractive to the younger generation. An important aspect was that the species should not already be a ‘state butterfly’. Seven states in India have that.
“Today — September 10 — we’ll open the poll to citizens. We’ll share the butterfly ballot on social media groups and websites,” said Divakar Thombre, a butterfly enthusiast in Mumbai and part of the 50-member core polling group. “The result will also be told to the environment ministry. Informal communication has already taken place with the environment minister… by the end of this year or beginning of 2021, we’ll get a national butterfly.”
But why a national butterfly? Dr Kalesh Sadasivan, plastic surgeon and part of the “poll panel”, said butterflies are biological indicators. “Changes in the environment, like global warming and increasing pollution, reflect first in smaller creatures like butterflies. They warn us in time.”
Delhi
2017/ First butterfly count, Delhi
69 butterfly species recorded in NCR, September 24, 2017: The Times of India
Butterfly lovers and lepidopterists were delighted with the results of the first `butterfly count' in NCR, recording 69 species in the region. The results were announced on Saturday in an event which also saw butterfly enthusiasts submit the names of four butterflies -one of which will be chosen as the state butterfly of the capital.
Armed with a checklist and cameras in their hands, hundreds of people had set out across different parts of NCR to take part in the first ever butterfly count for Delhi. Organised by the conservation education centre (city wing of Bombay Natural History Society), the census was part of the butterfly month which aimed to provide an accurate and updated list of butterfly species found in the region.
Among the rare and uncommon butterflies recorded included psyche, chocolate pansy , Indian red flash, red pierrot, chocolate pansy , African babul and painted lady some of which were sighted after several years.
Red Pierrot: anomalies in its ‘patterns’/ 2018
From: Jasjeev Gandhiok, Anomalies in butterfly patterns leave enthusiasts in a fix, November 19, 2018: The Times of India
Butterfly lovers and lepidopterists, working around Delhi’s Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, have been in a fix for the last couple of weeks after a number of anomalies were detected in the ‘patterns’ of Red Pierrot — a butterfly commonly found in the Indian subcontinent.
At least four variations in its patterns have been detected so far, forcing the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) to launch a study to find out the reasons why this may be happening.
Sohail Madan, centre manager of BNHS at Asola said the variations could indicate a new sub-species, or it may simply be an evolutionary change. The reason, however, needs to be analysed. “The study will take place from Monday and we have asked for butterfly enthusiasts and experts to help us during the survey. So far, at least four variations have been detected in the patterns with the orange and the black markings either increasing or decreasing on its wings,” Madan said.
“Most butterflies have a winter form and a summer form. This particular butterfly has just one form and the markings are well defined. However, we are seeing a lot of variations in the orange and black markings, which could either indicate an evolutionary change, or it could even be sub-species,” Madan said.
According to the centre manager of BNHS, out of the 70-80 Red Pierrot butterflies recorded on Friday alone, almost 50% had anomalies. “The change in pattern does not seem to have affected the population and they are thriving at Asola. We saw around 34-35 such butterflies with variations in the pattern and a detailed study and sample survey should help us come to a conclusion,” Madan added.
The study will take a look at the lower stages of development, beginning from the caterpillar and its diet to determine what may be leading to the change in its designs. Delhi had seen 75 different butterfly species recorded in this year’s annual butterfly count — an increase from 69 species recorded last year.
Peter Smetacek, a lepidopterist said the variations could primarily be adaptive changes or signs of the butterfly coping with the cold. “Red Pierrot, earlier found in south India, has colonised Delhi and even moved up north to places like Kashmir. The difference in temperatures up north as compared to southern and Peninsular India could be the reason behind the change,” he said .
At least four variations in the patterns of Red Pierrot, a butterfly commonly found in the Indian subcontinent, have been detected so far, forcing the Bombay Natural History Society to launch a study to find out the reasons why this may be happening.
2019: spring delayed, butterflies increase
Vibha Sharma, April 22, 2019: The Times of India
From: Vibha Sharma, April 22, 2019: The Times of India
Season’s greetings: How delayed spring has made Delhi a hotspot for butterfly lovers
NATURE’S DELIGHT, FROM LODHI GARDEN TO YAMUNA BIODIVERSITY PARK
New Delhi:
The longer winter — and, consequently, the delayed spring — has turned out to be a blessing for nature lovers. They can now watch a variety of butterflies, most of which are now coming to life after spending the harsh winter in pupal stage. The city’s butterfly parks are now teeming with colourful wings.
At Lodhi Garden’s Butterfly Park, spread over one-anda-half acres, the horticulture department has planted more than 30 species of nectar flora to attract butterflies. Between 9am and 10am, when it starts getting warm, you have a chance to discover grass jewel (the smallest butterfly in the world), Indian cabbage white, common jay, plain tiger and lemon pansy along the trail.
Besides, there is a conservatory where you can see butterflies that have drawn their names from all sorts of flowers, birds and even animals.
New Delhi Municipal Council horticulture director S Chellaiah said: “While the longer winter delayed shedding of leaves in Delhi, it also led to the arrival of spring a little later. That’s why you can still see flowering plants blooming at parks and roundabouts. So is the case with butterflies, which usually get attracted to flowering plants.” Chellaiah said added: “To attract maximum varieties of butterflies at the garden, we have planted a combination of flower plants that provide nectar for adults and host plants for their caterpillars, such as lantana, Limonia, jatropha curcas, camellia, milk weed, justicia, bauhinia, jasmine, anar, phalsa and lemon tree.” The butterflies can also be seen in ample numbers at Yamuna Biodiversity Park, Aravalli Biodiversity Park and Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sancturay.
“We have 67 varieties of butterflies at Yamuna Biodiversity Plant. These include common mormon, striped tiger plan, small salmon arab, plain tiger, white arab, common crow and pioneer. Besides March and April, September end and October beginning are considered to be the ideal months of butterfly sightings,” Faiyaz Khudsar, a wildlife biologist and scientist-in-charge of YBP, said.
Looking for butterflies, said Khudsar, meant looking anywhere from one feet above the ground to the tree canopy. To mark the 83rd birthday of Lodhi Garden, NDMC has transplanted eight new species of trees there. Their lifespan will be more than 300 years, said an NDMC official.
“Since the garden is overcrowded, there is no space for planting more trees. Therefore, this year we decided to plant only eight trees of new variety. These included cochlospermum silk cotton tree, olea sp, kamadal tree and magnolia sp,” said an official.
Butterfly corridors
As in 2019 June
Jasjeev Gandhiok, July 1, 2019: The Times of India
From: Jasjeev Gandhiok, July 1, 2019: The Times of India
Work on creating butterfly corridors in the city is already underway with close to 100 hotspots set to be connected by September by Bombay Natural History Society and experts from the capital.
At present, there are 17 hotspots where butterfly parks or gardens have been created in the last few years. BNHS said a variety of host plants will be grown at such parks and gardens in the green corridor to attract more butterflies.
Experts said at most locations there are already some native trees and plant species that are hosts to butterflies, but additional plantation is being undertaken to ensure a diversity of species arrive there.
“The closer the green areas, the easier it will be for butterflies to move from one location to another. A large butterfly garden exists at Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary and Garden of Five Senses. We have been targeting parks in an around these locations to attract more butterflies,” said Sohail Madan, centre manager of BNHS at Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary.
In 2017, the first butterfly month was observed in the city by BNHS and Delhi forest department, culminating in a record species count. A total of 69 species, including rare species like psych, chocolate pansy and red flash, were recorded in the first edition at 14 locations.
Madan said in 2018, 75 species were recorded with almost 3,000 people taking part in the count in urban and forested locations. Among the rare species recorded were the common redeye, common short silverline, dingy swift, common blue line, Balkan pierrot and spotted pierrot, among others.
“Our survey over the past two years has shown that diversity of butterfly species was very low at new parks that have ornamental and exotic plants. The diversity was higher at places like the Ridge, which has native species of plants and trees. The biggest surprises were Sunder Nursery and DDA district parks where we saw rare butterflies like Balkan pierrot, common baron and tropical fritillary,” said Madan.
The newest locations where butterfly gardens have been created include a DAV school in Dwarka, Karma lakelands in Manesar, Mitraon city forest, Taj Enclave city forest, Hauz Rani city forest and a government school in Mangar Bani. Peter Smetacek, co-founder of Butterfly Research Centre, said the corridor can be an important addition to Delhi and will help the specie flourish.
Karnataka
2016/ Southern Bird Wing: State butterfly of Karnataka
Mohit M. Rao, September 22, 2016: The Hindu
The red and yellow stripes of the insect matches the colours of the State flag
Fluttering with distinctive red and yellow stripes amongst the verdant green of the Western Ghats, the Southern Bird Wing butterfly was in-principle approved to become the “State butterfly” of Karnataka.
The proposal for the State butterfly was given approval from the State Wildlife Board during its meeting on Wednesday, said B. Ramanath Rai, Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment.
This makes Karantaka the second State in the country after Maharashtra to adopt a State butterfly. Maharashtra chose the Blue Mormom butterfly as its State butterfly a year ago.
The proposal to adopt Southern Bird Wing butterfly as the State butterfly had been sent by Sanjay Mohan, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Research and Utilisation).
“We short-listed a few butterflies and selected the Southern Bird Wing as its colours match the colours of the Karnataka Flag,” Mr. Mohan said.
The Southern Bird Wing is the largest butterfly in India, with the females growing up to 190 mm in length. Primarily endemic to South India, it is found in abundance in Karnataka.
“As it is easily sighted, we can hope that more people become aware of the importance of butterflies in the eco-system. These are important pollinators, and their preservation is necessary for the eco-system,” said Nitin R., an entomologist with the National Centre for Biological Sciences.
However, he said there could be a downside to this, particularly as the declaration of a State butterfly does not come with the additional protection.
With this particular species of butterfly shooting to prominence, there could be a chance of the colourful creature being targeted and becoming collectibles, he added.
Kerala
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve: 221 varieties
K.A. Shaji, A forest filled with butterflies, November 18, 2018: The Hindu
From: K.A. Shaji, A forest filled with butterflies, November 18, 2018: The Hindu
Survey spots 221 varieties in Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
As dawn breaks, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, one of India’s protected forest areas, turns a garden with dream flowers floating all over. The sight repeats as dusk falls in. Wafer thin canvases bearing a splash of colours flutter all around, filling the reserve with a splendour that matches the aura of a forest full of butterflies.
A recent survey held in the reserve spotted 221 varieties of butterflies, 11 of which were endemic to the area.
With such a rich spread, the reserve could also hit spotlight as a haven of butterflies.
The survey, initiated jointly by the Department of Forest and Wildlife, Parambikulam Tiger Conservation Foundation, and the Wayanad-based Ferns Naturalists Society, was held between November 9 and 12.
Sixty experts and 50 forest protection staff participated in the survey in the reserve.
Major species
According to butterfly expert V.K. Chandrasekharan, the major species spotted during the four-day initiative include Small Palm Bob, Silverstreak Blue, Orange-tail Awl, and Red-disc Bushbrown. Among them, Orange-tail Awl gets active only during early morning hours and late in the evening.
The survey was held in different topographies and forest areas, including evergreen forests, dry deciduous forests, moist deciduous forests, shrubs and meadows, which lie in areas such as Aanapanthi, Parambikulam, Kuriarkutty and Nelliampathy.
Seventeen separate camps were arranged in these areas to ensure comprehensive surveying.
Surprise find
“One of the biggest surprises of the survey is the spotting of Red-disc Bushbrown, a high-altitude species endemic to Western Ghats. We found them in an area of Nelliampathy region at an altitude of 1,320 m. It would be difficult to spot them in any part further north of Western Ghats,” said Mr Chandrasekharan.
The survey team had also recorded migration patterns of the rare species — Dark Blue Tiger and Common Crow.
Buddha Peacock or Buddha Mayoori, which was recently declared as State butterfly of Kerala, was found in abundance in some areas of the forest. The survey had also recorded over 100 butterfly host plants in the reserve.
The survey team included members of the Travancore Natural History Society, Malabar Natural History Society, and students of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in Wayanad.
This is the fourth consecutive year that the butterfly survey is being organised in Parambikulam.
Involvement of tribes
A pioneer in community-based ecotourism, Parambikulam tries to ensure foolproof conservation with the active involvement of 234 members of six tribal settlements inside its limits. The reserve has many firsts to its credit, made possible through the participation of tribespeople.
Being a protected forest area, the reserve has nearly five endemic flora varieties and has had 29 direct sightings of tigers. Ever since the Joint Forest Participatory Management was introduced, there have been no incidents of poaching in the reserve.
West Bengal
2017/ Butterflies in Singur
Shiv Sahay Singh, October 21, 2017: The Hindu
From: Shiv Sahay Singh, October 21, 2017: The Hindu
From: Shiv Sahay Singh, October 21, 2017: The Hindu
From: Shiv Sahay Singh, October 21, 2017: The Hindu
From: Shiv Sahay Singh, October 21, 2017: The Hindu
69 species of butterflies belonging to 54 genera and five families were recorded in a study by the Zoological Survey of India
A study by researchers of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) shows for the first time that thehamlet is home to at least 69 species of butterflies. “A total of 69 species of butterflies belonging to 54 genera and five families were recorded from the study area. Family Nymphalidae was the most dominant among the five families with 22 species, followed by Lycaenidae, comprising of 19 species,” the paper titled ‘A study of butterfly diversity in Singur’ says.
Researchers found butterflies in the rice and vegetable fields of the area, as well as in bushes and shrubs along railway lines and National Highways.
No forested land
Singur has no forested land and the area is known for rice, potato and vegetable cultivation.
Mr. Dey said that more intensive studies on different ecological parameters that can help access diversity of Singur’s fauna are being planned.
The presence of so many species of butterflies has provided a great deal of joy to the farmers who had waged a long battle against the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) led West Bengal government against the acquisition of 997 acres of agricultural land for Tata Motors’ Nano car plant in Singur.
“While our struggle was aimed at the return of the land acquired for the proposed car plant, we are happy that it has helped the environment of Singur. There would have not so many butterflies had the car plant been operational,” said Mahabdeb Das, a farmer who was at the forefront of the land acquisition struggle. He was pleasantly surprised to learn about the butterfly diversity of the region.
On August 30, 2017, the Supreme Court quashed the Left Front government’s acquisition of 997 acres of agricultural land for the car plant in Singur. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee returned the acquired land to farmers on September 14, 2016.
See also
Butterflies: India
