Butterflies of Garvale area of Kodagu, India

Abstract

The Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot, is home to some 336 species of butterflies, 12% of which are endemic. These fragile insects serve as bioindicators and contribute to complex predator-prey relationships. Studying butterflies provides insights into ecological interactions, climate change impacts and conservation needs. However, habitat loss and fragmentation are major threats to butterfly populations. The study area in Garvale, Kodagu district, is characterized by diverse agro-ecosystems, including coffee plantations, areca orchards, rice paddies and pocket forests. A pioneering survey from June 2022 to June 2024 recorded 109 butterfly species (32% of the Western Ghats total). Notably, all six butterfly families found in the Western Ghats are present here. The dominant families are Nymphalidae and Hesperiidae. In addition, eight endemic species have been identified. This primary checklist will serve as a valuable baseline for future research in the study area, aiding conservation efforts and improving our understanding of butterfly diversity.