Some rare and endangered species have also been discovered in Bengaluru, according to the new book Butterflies
Bengaluru and its surroundings offer a city with a variety of butterflies that will surprise its residents.
In what is believed to be the first book dedicated to the city’s winged visitors, the authors have revealed that Bengaluru and its surroundings have registered no fewer than 179 species of butterflies.
Butterflies from Bengaluru by Krushnamegh Kunte and Nitin Ravikanthachari is an initiative of the Karnataka Forest Department (Research Wing), the National Center for Life Sciences (NCBS) and the Indian Foundation for Butterflies, Bengaluru.
Bengaluru refers to Bengaluru as an important transition zone due to its location – north of the range of hills that connect the western ghats with the eastern ghats – and identifies the city as a city that, due to its innumerable habitats, consists of a “considerable” diversity of butterflies.
In addition to a pictorial guide to all butterfly species found in Bengaluru, it provides information on habitats, seasonal occurrences and prominent locations where the species occur. There is also a checklist of the plants that caterpillars feed on and a list of flowering plants that attract butterflies.
Prof. Kunte, associate professor at NCBS and editor-in-chief of Butterflies of India Website, tells The Hindu This is the first such book as an attempt has previously been made to make a booklet for quick reference.
Species discovered
According to the authors, the list of butterflies in the city has added one to three new species since the year, as habitats change according to climate and green space, as well as with an increasing number of butterfly watchers over the past few years.
Of the 179 registered species there were some spectacularly rare ones, such as the lilac-silver line (Apharitis lilacinus), which, according to Prof. Kunte, was seen in India after almost 100 years. Two species that were registered in Bengaluru for the first time in 2020 were the orange-tailed awl (Bibasis sena) and the alida angle (Caprona alida).
Is the city’s changing ecosystem having an impact? It makes sense that there will be an impact, said Prof. Kunte, citing the 2020 lockdown as an example when traffic fell tremendously and had a positive impact on the ecosystem in general.
The nine-year data also shows that the movement of butterflies is closely related to the monsoons. “The migration of butterflies and birds is driven by cold winters. India is unique, especially the Indian peninsula, as it is powered by the Indian monsoons, ”he said.
Hot spots
According to the book, which covered a 60 km radius from the GPO in Bengaluru, butterfly hotspots in the area include Doresanipalya Forest Research Station, Bangalore University, Valley School, IISc. Campus, GKVK campus, Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Hesaraghatta, Savandurga State Forest, Camp GeeDee (near the Bannerghatta National Park), Makalidurga, Nandi Hills and Horagina Betta and Devarayanadurga.
“Bengaluru definitely has more than other tropical cities, and the Karnataka Forest Department is doing an excellent job too. The Bengaluru Butterfly Club has a growing membership with a wide profile ranging from 10 year olds to retired civil servants. One way to contribute is to report information to the website, ”he said, adding that this will help make recommendations for butterfly-friendly plants to be planted by both concerned authorities and citizens.
For more information, contact the Indian Foundation for Butterflies at 6362512292.
Comments
Post a Comment