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VOL. 10, ISSUE 12 (2025)
A preliminary list of butterflies from Tensa Nature Camp and Khandadhar Eco-Tourism Resort, Sundargarh District, Odisha
Authors
Papia Das, Olivia Das
Abstract
A rapid assessment of butterfly diversity was
carried out at two ecotourism sites-Tensa Nature Camp and Khandadhar Ecotourism
Resort, in Sundargarh District, Odisha, during the monsoon season of 2025.
Surveys were conducted over three consecutive days at each location using
opportunistic visual observations along forest trails and open clearings during
cloudy and rainy weather conditions. A total of 22 butterfly species belonging
to five families – Nympahlidae, Pieridae, Lycaenidae, Papilionidae and Hesperiidae
were recorded. The family Nymphalidae exhibited the highest representation,
followed by Papilionidae, Pieridae and Hesperiidae. Habitats around Tensa were
characterized by moist deciduous forest with dense canopy cover, while
Khandahar comprised mixed woodland and open grassland near waterfalls. Several
generalist species such as Papilio polytes, Catopsilla pomona and
Papilio crino were commonly encountered, whereas forest specialists like Papilio
(agenor) polymnestor were restricted to shaded areas. This study provides
the first observational list of butterflies from these two ecotourism sites,
emphasizing their ecological and conservation significance within Western
Odisha. The findings highlight the presence of species such as Papilio(agenor)
polymnestor, Papilio crino and Athyma selenophora as
protected species since these are enlisted under Schedule I of Wildlife
Protection Act, Amendment 2022. It leads to the potential of community-based
ecoturism zones as refuges for butterfly diversity and underscore the need for
long-term, seasonal monitoring to document population dynamics and habitat
associations in this unexplored landscape.
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Pages:1-5
How to cite this article:
Papia Das, Olivia Das "A preliminary list of butterflies from Tensa Nature Camp and Khandadhar Eco-Tourism Resort, Sundargarh District, Odisha". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 10, Issue 12, 2025, Pages 1-5
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