Pune: As several species of butterfly face decline in Pune all thanks to urbanization, eight carefully curated habitats of butterfly and related fauna are aiding their revival.
Started over two years ago, several gardens house a total of 132 species of butterflies. These gardens are Sipna Butterfly Garden (72 species), Tulshibaugwale Terrace Garden in Sahakarnagar (31 species), Meghvarsha Society Garden (21 species) and New English School (8 species), Meghvarsha Society Garden, Vidyanchal School, Vikhe Patil School in Lohegaon, and two other locations.
These habitats were chosen based on the requests of residents and biodiversity enthusiasts in each region of the city. "Continuous deforestation and urbanisation along with the excessive use of pesticides and insecticides in the city prompted a rapid decline in the insect population, which resulted in an eventual biodiversity decline," said Rajat Joshi, the curator of the habitats.
Starting at Sipna, as part of a biodiversity restoration project, he planted multiple nectar-producing plants such as curry leaves, turmeric, bryophyllum, ixora and Jamaican spike to attract different species of butterflies. Over time, additional plants were introduced to attract more species.
"Habitats with such flora give insects a good stock of nutrition to support the population. Butterflies take up a primitive position in the food chain; they bring in frogs, spiders and bees along with them. A good butterfly diversity and population indicate a thriving habitat," added Joshi.
There have been regular events conducted at Sipna and Tulshibaugwale Terrace Garden for butterfly watching. In Sipna, with the highest butterfly diversity among all, rare butterfly species such as blue oakleafs, blue tigers and blue Mormons along with a congregation of 50 to 100 tiger butterflies visit frequently. This habitat also accommodates the red Pierrot, common Mormon and plain tiger species.
Joshi also observed an increase in the number of butterflies at Sipna. He has documented numbers rising from 25-30 species to 72 now. "We are seeing regular lemon emigrants, a green butterfly, during and post-monsoon. Documentation of these species is being done throughout the year. But local authorities must be involved in ensuring protection for these habitats as they are prone to threats from construction and other human activities," he added.
He plans to develop over 50 such butterfly habitats in the region in collaboration with the PMC and forest department. "The impact of climate change is heavily noticeable and if we have to ensure no further degradation happens, we must create local ecosystems that help conserve our climate," said Joshi.
Pune: As several species of butterfly face decline in Pune all thanks to urbanization, eight carefully curated habitats of butterfly and related fauna are aiding their revival.
Started over two years ago, several gardens house a total of 132 species of butterflies. These gardens are Sipna Butterfly Garden (72 species), Tulshibaugwale Terrace Garden in Sahakarnagar (31 species), Meghvarsha Society Garden (21 species) and New English School (8 species), Meghvarsha Society Garden, Vidyanchal School, Vikhe Patil School in Lohegaon, and two other locations.
These habitats were chosen based on the requests of residents and biodiversity enthusiasts in each region of the city. "Continuous deforestation and urbanisation along with the excessive use of pesticides and insecticides in the city prompted a rapid decline in the insect population, which resulted in an eventual biodiversity decline," said Rajat Joshi, the curator of the habitats.
Starting at Sipna, as part of a biodiversity restoration project, he planted multiple nectar-producing plants such as curry leaves, turmeric, bryophyllum, ixora and Jamaican spike to attract different species of butterflies. Over time, additional plants were introduced to attract more species.
"Habitats with such flora give insects a good stock of nutrition to support the population. Butterflies take up a primitive position in the food chain; they bring in frogs, spiders and bees along with them. A good butterfly diversity and population indicate a thriving habitat," added Joshi.
There have been regular events conducted at Sipna and Tulshibaugwale Terrace Garden for butterfly watching. In Sipna, with the highest butterfly diversity among all, rare butterfly species such as blue oakleafs, blue tigers and blue Mormons along with a congregation of 50 to 100 tiger butterflies visit frequently. This habitat also accommodates the red Pierrot, common Mormon and plain tiger species.
Joshi also observed an increase in the number of butterflies at Sipna. He has documented numbers rising from 25-30 species to 72 now. "We are seeing regular lemon emigrants, a green butterfly, during and post-monsoon. Documentation of these species is being done throughout the year. But local authorities must be involved in ensuring protection for these habitats as they are prone to threats from construction and other human activities," he added.
He plans to develop over 50 such butterfly habitats in the region in collaboration with the PMC and forest department. "The impact of climate change is heavily noticeable and if we have to ensure no further degradation happens, we must create local ecosystems that help conserve our climate," said Joshi.