Butterflies come calling, as Hindi heartland turns natural haven
- Arijit Bose
- Feb 23, 2020
- 3 min read
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
The thrill of chasing a butterfly has always fascinated people and the thrill seems to have reached fever pitch in the Hindi heartland with UP recording a sudden surge in the butterfly population in the state in recent months. Recent studies have shown that there is drastic shift of the butterfly from its original abode in Uttarakhand to the neighbouring state. With change in weather conditions the butterfly has taken to visiting UP with a certain liking for the atmosphere the state offers. Travelling thousands of kilometers, these butterflies are building their new homes in different areas of UP. The fact has been highlighted in a study by Lucknow University on the initiative of Uttar Pradesh Biodiversity Board.
Among the most noted species that are here in the state making the ambient atmosphere of Nawabganj their home are the Crimson Red species of butterflies found in areas of Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Multiple species of Uttarakhand have made Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary and Pilibhit forest area their new home.
The study initiated in 2014 on the initiative of Uttar Pradesh Biodiversity Board was led by Amita Kanaujia, with team members namely Prof. of Department of Biology of Lucknow University. Dr. Ashish Kumar, Aadesh and Shivangi Mishra. There is confirmation of 85 species of butterflies found in UP. In the five years study, not just from other states but there are also butterflies who have shifted base within the very state. This is the first time experts have discovered different species of butterflies in UP.
Experts widely believe that possibility of more species of butterflies cannot be ruled out. The highest species of butterflies has been found in Awadh and Purvanchal region.
Among the most popular butterfly species hovering around in the state are Large King Crow and Common Map, both species of butterflies found in the hilly areas of Uttarakhand. A study at Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary brought researchers up to speed with their presence.
Forest Tenzing and Common Evening Brown mostly from the mountainous terrain of Uttarakhand are frequently observed in the Tiger Reserve areas of Pilibhit. The least population of butterfly species has been noticed in Bundelkhand region.
These butterflies start heading out of the Western Ghats when the monsoon showers hit. Butterflies are very essential for pollination. They play a crucial role in 60 percent of crop produce. Work on how best to conserve and protect the butterfly will soon follow suit.
Scientists believe that the beautiful colours of butterflies and their movement is a symbol of life. The result is that the presence of butterflies around you generates positive energy. Most food crops need insect, and mainly pollinators for sufficient and successful pollination. The butterfly adds to that evergrowing pool of pollinators. Useful for crops which include oilseeds, vegetables, legumes and fruits.
There is a buzz that Kukrail Picnic spot is also slated to get a butterfly park, work on which will start in months from now. A park that will cover a 5 acre area, it will be made under the supervision of the Rajkiya Nirman Nigam. Official estimates suggest that the park s being created at a cost of 3.48 crore rupees.
The Kukrail picnic spot is a 5100 acre area where two poly – houses will comeup. The park will have a combined collection of 150 species of plants for the host and nectar.
The city has been witness to a sizable butterfly population at the Lucknow Zoo as the state’s first butterfly park houses around 40-species of butterflies. Butterflies are the most important indicator of good environment. Around 2,000 species of butterflies exist in the world of which, 1,500 are found in India.
Globally there are nearly 5.5 million insect species that manifest the planet. However, a scientific review of records shows 40% of insect species worldwide are likely to become extinct in coming years. In that context the butterfly making its way to UP many claim is a good omen, because they have been conspicuous by their absence in recent times.
This article was first published in the print edition of Lucknow’s only English weekly, The Lucknow Tribune
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