ARCHIVES
VOL. 9, ISSUE 2 (2024)
A study on the diversity of butterfly (Insecta: Lepidoptera) fauna in Buxa Tiger Reserve, West Bengal, India
Authors
Mousumi Das, Arnab Basu, Md. Golam Ambiya
Abstract
A short-term systematic survey on butterfly
diversity and abundance was carried out for a period of five days from 6th
January to 10th January, 2024, to explore the butterfly fauna of
Buxa Tiger Reserve, located at the foothills of Eastern Himalayas in the
northern part of West Bengal. A total number of 65 different butterfly species
belonging to 45 genera and six families were recorded from this protected area.
Nymphalidae was the dominant family with the count of 19 number of genera and
30 number of species, followed by Lycaenidae (genera 12; species 13), Pieridae
(genera 7; species 12), Papilionidae (genera 2; species 5) and Hesperiidae
(genera 4; species 4). Family Riodinidae had only one species, i.e. Zemeros
flegyas flegyas. Pieridae was the most abundant family (43.76%), followed
by Nymphalidae (39.06), Lycaenidae (13.20%), Papilionidae (1.99%), Riodinidae
(1.08%) and Hesperiidae (0.90%). Chocolate Albatross (Appias lyncida) of
family Pieridae was recorded as the most abundant species with 63 individuals.
The study area was rich in butterfly diversity which was confirmed by the score
of the diversity indices where the calculated value of Shannon diversity index
was 3.46, Simpson’s index of diversity was 0.95, while Margalef’s index was
10.13. In the study area, forest and grasslands provide a better combination of
habitat to the butterfly community which might have a good impact on their
abundance and diversity. As the present sampled location is facing an excessive
tourist pressure, there is an urgent need of attention from the Government
authorities to conserve this habitat. This study is likely to contribute
towards the conservation of butterfly fauna along with biodiversity protection
and ecosystem integrity.
Download
Pages:40-50
How to cite this article:
Mousumi Das, Arnab Basu, Md. Golam Ambiya "A study on the diversity of butterfly (Insecta: Lepidoptera) fauna in Buxa Tiger Reserve, West Bengal, India". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 9, Issue 2, 2024, Pages 40-50
Download Author Certificate
Please enter the email address corresponding to this article submission to download your certificate.