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VOL. 10, ISSUE 11 (2025)
From classroom to conservation: Student-driven development of a butterfly park in Udupi
Authors
T K Maneetha, B Yashaswini, Vaishnavi Pai, Tejasvi S Acharya, Nihal
Abstract
Butterflies are widely recognized as sensitive bioindicators of
environmental health, owing to their rapid responses to habitat alteration.
They also play essential ecological roles in pollination, nutrient cycling, and
as trophic components within food webs. Habitat creation is a fundamental
strategy for butterfly conservation, contributing to the maintenance of local
biodiversity. The present study assessed the role of the Savita Sastri
Butterfly Park at MGM College, Udupi, in butterfly conservation, with
particular emphasis on the effectiveness of student participation in monitoring
programs. Systematic surveys conducted in collaboration with students
documented 31 species belonging to 25 genera across five families. The family
Nymphalidae was dominant, accounting for 45.2 percent (14 species) of the total
diversity, followed by Hesperiidae at 19.4 percent (6 species), Pieridae at
16.1 percent (5 species), and Lycaenidae and Papilionidae each contributing 9.7
percent (3 species each). Among the 31, one species is found to be legally
protected under wildlife protection regulations. Seasonal variation in
abundance was evident, with peak occurrences between August and October, and
the lowest counts recorded from February to April. The establishment and regular
monitoring of the butterfly park not only generated baseline data on species
diversity but also served as a practical educational resource, enhancing
student engagement and promoting community awareness of butterfly conservation.
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Pages:77-79
How to cite this article:
T K Maneetha, B Yashaswini, Vaishnavi Pai, Tejasvi S Acharya, Nihal "From classroom to conservation: Student-driven development of a butterfly park in Udupi". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 10, Issue 11, 2025, Pages 77-79
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