The District Forest Officer says that these insects not only play an important role in pollination but also help in the sustenance and maintenance of the forest ecosystem.
The District Forest Officer says that these insects not only play an important role in pollination but also help in the sustenance and maintenance of the forest ecosystem.
The first butterfly survey conducted in Sirumalai Hills under Dindigul Forest Division has indicated a healthy population of the charismatic moth with 129 butterfly species in the region.
District Forest Officer S Prabhu said 129 butterfly species were recorded in the hills during the survey conducted on October 29 and 30 by The Nature and Butterfly Society (TNBS), Coimbatore along with officials of Dindigul Forest Division. “Despite rain in two days, we can see 129 species. This indicates a healthy ecosystem as the total number of butterfly species recorded by TNBS across the state so far is 328,” said A.K. Pavendhan, President, TNBS said.
He said the actual number of species could be 175 to 200, as recorded in the Eastern Ghats, and samples from four surveys carried out in different seasons of the year would take it closer. Shri Pavandan said that butterflies not only played an important role in pollination but also helped in the maintenance and maintenance of the forest ecosystem.
Five teams conducted the survey. Some of the important species they found in five butterfly families were Blue Mormon, Chocolate Albatross, Common Banded Peacock, Dark-brand Bushbrown, Plumbius Silverline, Silver Royal, Small Grass Yellow, Southern Birdwing, Redspot, Tree Flitter, Transparent Six-Lineblue and Tamil Spotted flat.
Shri Prabhu said that this survey was done during the migration of butterflies from Eastern Ghats to Western Ghats. The species-wise count will form part of the detailed report to be submitted in two weeks.
more in store
Shri Prabhu said that the findings of the survey will form the baseline data for planning the conservation of butterflies in the range. “In addition, it will help assess changes in the health of forest cover over time, as butterflies are one of the indicators of a healthy ecosystem,” he said.
The survey of birds, moths and other small creatures in Sirumalai hills will be conducted soon and will be extended to all the seven ranges of Dindigul Forest Division.
“We are planning to organize programs among school and college students to create awareness about the role of butterflies in the food chain, pollination etc., to let them know that there is more to butterflies than good looks. Something is there.” said the Lord.
The study was conducted under the guidance of Chief Conservator of Forests (Dindigul Circle) N Satish. Sirumalai Range Officer A. Mathivanan and Forest Range Officer (Integrated Development Program-II) R. Shivakumar. Of. Shravan Kumar, K. Sadhishkumar, H. Ramanasaran and R. 22 TNBS members, including Balakrishnan, participated in the survey.