The banded royal species, which is relatively rare in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu, has been seen at Pachamalai. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangements
Common Albatross, Lesser Grass Yellow, Double-banded Judy, Rustic and Common Small Flat were among the species seen at Pachamlai Hills. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangements
Species recorded during the study were from all six available butterfly families: swallowtails, whites and yellows, brush-footed butterflies, blues, metalmarks and skippers. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangements
A recent study by the Forest Department in the lush, green and serene Pachamlai Hills under the Tiruchi Forest Division recorded high numbers of butterfly species and healthy butterflies. A total of 126 species of butterflies were recorded during the two-day study conducted by the Nature and Butterfly Society in coordination with a team from the Forest Department of Thuraiyur region.
An assessment of butterfly species was conducted on December 14 and 15 with some rare species recorded. The places to explore include Sengattupatti Extended Reserve Forest, Solamathi Reserve Forest, Kaliamman Kovil Thittu Reserve Forest, Kannimarsolai Reserve Forest, Melur Reserve Forest, Top Sengattupatti and Mangalam Falls.
Habitats covered included primary mixed deciduous forest, riparian, and secondary forest growth. Species recorded during the study were from all six available butterfly families: swallowtails, whites and yellows, brush-footed butterflies, blues, metalmarks and skippers.
Important species found in all six families include Blue Mormon, Common Banded Peacock, Little Grass Yellow, Dark Wanderer, Common Jezebel, Common Palmfly, Monkey Puzzle, Leaf Blue, Guava Blue, Redspot, Water Snow Flat, Restricted Spotted Flat, Grass Demon, Dark Palm Dart, Commander, Blackveen Sergeant and Long-banded Silverline.
The highlight of the study included the sighting of the Banded Royal species which is relatively rare in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu. This butterfly of the blue family was seen in good numbers in dense forests. This species is legally protected under Schedule 2 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Some species of butterflies which are rare or seen in small population were also seen in large population in Pachamalai Hills which is a good sign. These include the Common Albatross, Lesser Grass Yellow, Double-banded Judy, Rustic and Common Lesser Flat.
Similar studies conducted in Pachamalai in 2016 and 2022 recorded 105 and 109 species respectively. The high species number and population indicates a healthy butterfly habitat and requires continued conservation as it is now, a forest department official said, adding that the study report has been submitted to the Tamil Nadu Forest Department. The lush Pachamalai Hills, dotted with thick forested areas, cliffs and valleys, are home to a variety of birds and animals.
published – December 22, 2024 at 05:24 PM IST