Srirangam Butterfly Sanctuary Records Surge in July Populations and Species Diversity

Seasonal Blooms Drive Population Growth

Favorable weather and an abundance of flowering plants triggered a significant rise in butterfly activity this July at the Tropical Butterfly Conservatory in Srirangam. Located on 25 acres of reserve forest land between the Cauvery and Kollidam rivers, the facility saw 60 different nectar plant species bloom simultaneously last month. This profusion of resources supported approximately 1,200 individual butterflies across 57 distinct species.

Biodiversity on the Srirangam Island

Since its founding by the Forest Department in 2015, the conservatory has evolved into a significant ecological hub. While Tamil Nadu is home to 324 of India’s 1,500 butterfly species, this specific site at Melur has documented 131 species to date. The facility also supports 119 bird species and more than 450 types of plants. Wildlife monitored during recent surveys include:

• Tailed Jay and Common Jezebel
• Crimson Tip and Large Oak Blue
• Small Salmon Arab and Lemon Pansy
• Pioneer, Gull, and Indian Palm Bob

The conservatory’s design focuses on the entire life cycle of these insects. By maintaining a mix of ornamental flora and specific host plants, the department ensures caterpillars have necessary food sources alongside the nectar required by adults.

Educational Outreach and Tourism Impact

Established to foster public awareness regarding ecological conservation, the sanctuary has welcomed roughly 22 lakh visitors since its inception. Daily attendance fluctuates between 500 and 600 people, though holiday crowds often exceed 1,000 visitors. Forest officials anticipate another increase in both population density and species richness as the north-east monsoon season approaches, further enhancing the conservatory's role as a primary center for butterfly conservation in the region.

Source: The Hindu — Home