What protected butterflies were found in Thiruvananthapuram's urban areas?

The Gaudy Baron butterfly, protected under Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, was documented in Thiruvananthapuram's urban habitats.

How diverse is the butterfly population in Thiruvananthapuram's green spaces?

Thiruvananthapuram's urban green spaces host a rich diversity, including about half of Kerala's fruit-feeding butterfly species and several protected species.

Can urban areas support forest-dependent butterfly species like the Clipper?

Yes, charismatic forest species like the Clipper butterfly were found in small wooded valleys within Thiruvananthapuram, indicating urban fragments can act as refuges.

Home / Environment / Protected Butterfly Found Thriving in City Habitats

Protected Butterfly Found Thriving in City Habitats

5 Jan

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Summary

Gaudy Baron, a protected butterfly, thrives in urban Thiruvananthapuram.
Urban green spaces host half of Kerala's fruit-feeding butterfly species.
Study reveals rich butterfly diversity in city's open and closed habitats.

Protected Butterfly Found Thriving in City Habitats

Urban green spaces in Thiruvananthapuram are supporting a rich diversity of butterflies, including protected species, according to a new study. Researchers documented the Gaudy Baron, a butterfly protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, thriving in the city's open urban habitats.

The study found that nearly half of Kerala's fruit-feeding butterfly species inhabit Thiruvananthapuram. Various urban habitats, from abandoned paddy fields to agroforestry plots, showed significant species richness, with a nearby natural forest exhibiting the highest diversity. Even fragments of near-natural vegetation within the city provide refuge for species like the Clipper butterfly.

This finding is significant amidst rapid urban expansion, which has led to a decrease in natural habitats. The study suggests Thiruvananthapuram's landscape, transitioning from forests to urban areas with abundant cultivated trees, supports these species. Butterfly populations peak seasonally, particularly after monsoon rains, emphasizing the role of fresh plant growth.