04 Haz 2025 Çarşamba
Butterflies in peri-urban environment: A case study from Northeast India
Abstract : Peri-urban areas are highly vulnerable to the effects of urbanization and the ecosystems in such areas are subjected to pressure mostly due to unsustainable exploitation. The present study is the first ever research designed to record the diversity and variations of butterfly communities, and to identify protected butterfly species (under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 of India) in the Karimganj Divisional Forest Office campus situated in a peri-urban area in Northeast India. Transect surveys were conducted in four different habitats within the campus and the collected data were analysed by calculating relevant diversity indices, conducting statistical tests and performing cluster analysis. Rank-abundance curves and rarefaction plot were prepared for visual interpretation. It was revealed that the campus harboured 56 species of butterflies belonging to 34 genera and 05 families, including 04 protected species. Nymphalidae was the most predominant family and was represented by the highest number of species and individuals. The number of documented species and individuals varied across the habitats. Due to the presence of diverse habitats and plant species, the campus played an important role in conserving butterfly diversity in a highly anthropogenic environment.