More butterfly species add colour to the conservatory

More butterfly species have been recorded at the lush green tropical butterfly conservatory at Srirangam here which has been attracting steady stream of visitors every day.

This was evident during a recent survey carried out within the sprawling conservatory established on an area of 25 acres. The survey done by the members of the Tamil Nadu Butterfly Society recorded 69 species of butterfly inside the conservatory which is sandwiched between the Cauvery and the Coleroon river.

Forest Department officials said the survey was being done once in 15 days at the conservatory which was thrown open to visitors in November 2015. The recent survey was done from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and again from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. to ascertain the number of species at the conservatory, said a department official.

Some of the butterfly species recorded include Striped Tiger, Blue Tiger, Dark Blue Tiger, Common Mormon, Lime Butterfly, Grass Jewel, Babul Blue, Small Grass Yellow, Lemon Pansy, Peacock Pansy, Chocolate Pansy, Blue Pansy, Tailed Jay, Common Mormon, Crimson Tip and Common Albatross.

During heavy sunlight butterflies usually avoid moving from one place to another, said the official. The survey was done at a time when the movement was more.

The survey would be a continuous exercise henceforth and carried out twice a month, said the official.

The tropical butterfly conservatory is one its kind in the State established in the reserve forest area in the Upper Anicut to create awareness among people regarding the importance of butterflies and its role in maintaining ecological balance. The conservatory which has a slew of facilities inside aims at conservation of butterfly species.

There were only 39 species initially when the conservatory was thrown open to visitors. However, 30 more species have been recorded now during the recent survey, the official added.

The official attributes the increase in the number of species to the greener environment due to raising of various plant and tree species inside the conservatory attracting many more species.

It is believed that many species could have migrated to the conservatory from the nearby agricultural fields and water bodies due to the favourable environment inside. The conservatory has an amphitheatre, fountain and cascade among others.

Pleasure boating

In a recent addition, pleasure boating service for children has been introduced in a pond inside the park. Around 10 small boats have been deployed exclusively for children.

The official said the conservatory attracts around 500 to 700 visitors on an average every day. The visitors’ strength increases on weekends and on government holidays touching more than 1,000.

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/more-butterfly-species-add-colour-to-the-conservatory/article18118595.ece