Studies on the diversity and abundance of butterfly (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) fauna in and around Sarojini Naidu college campus, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Abstract

Butterflies are one of the most important assemblages of insects that act as biodiversity indicators as well as nature’s gardeners. Owing to habitat destruction for developmental activities in urban environment and unscientific management of natural resources, much of our native butterflies are fast disappearing and at present, their survival is under threat. The objective of the present survey is focussed on the assessment of the diversity and seasonal abundance of butterfly with vegetation composition of habitat and conservation priorities in the study area. A total of 49 species of butterflies under 5 families and 36 genera were recorded during May, 2013 to April, 2014 in the Sarojini Naidu College campus, Dum Dum, Kolkata. Nymphalidae was recorded as the most dominant family in terms of number of species, represented by 20 species followed by Lycaenidae (12), Pieridae (10), Papilionidae (6) and Hesperiidae (1). Out of these 49 species, five species come under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This study is aimed towards contributing to the plan of biodiversity restoration in our campus and development of management strategies so as to ensure sustenance of butterflies and ecosystem services derived from them.