For the first time, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department staff, naturalists, and butterfly enthusiasts have observed a large-scale migration of the Common Grass Yellow butterfly during a three-day butterfly survey at the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR), which concluded on June 30.
Unique Phenomenon
- Usual Observations: Typically, an abundance of Blue Tiger, Dark Blue Tiger, and Mottled Emigrant butterflies are observed during migrations.
- Current Observation: This time, thousands of Common Grass Yellow butterflies were observed migrating.
- Significance: The emergence and migration of Common Grass Yellow butterflies within MTR is a unique phenomenon that has not been observed in recent years.
- Future Monitoring: Continuous observation of this species, especially during migration periods, is recommended.
Survey Details
- Duration and Location: The survey commenced on June 28 at MTR, which covers an area of 688.50 square kilometers.
- Species Identified: A total of 185 butterfly species were identified, belonging to six butterfly families:
- Swallowtails: 16 species
- Whites and Yellows: 24 species
- Brush-footed Butterflies: 52 species
- Blues: 59 species
- Metalmarks: 1 species
- Skippers: 33 species
Participation and Coordination
- Participants: The survey involved 16 teams comprising 49 naturalists and butterfly enthusiasts, along with more than 100 MTR field officials.
- Coordination: The exercise was coordinated by The Nature and Butterfly Society (TNBS) Coimbatore, WWF-India, and the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu Forest Department.
Importance of Butterflies
- Ecosystem Role: According to C. Vidhya, IFS, Deputy Director Core Division, MTR, butterflies are critical components of the ecosystem and reflect the health of their habitat.
- Species Count: The comprehensive survey conducted in two phases has established the number of butterfly species in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve at 217.
Notable Species
- Highlights of the survey include species such as:
- Malabar Raven
- Paris Peacock
- Malabar Banded Peacock
- Plain Puffin
- Chocolate Albatross
- Tamil Yeoman (the state butterfly)
- Tamil Lacewing
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What unique butterfly migration was observed for the first time at the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve?
- a) Blue Tiger
- b) Dark Blue Tiger
- c) Mottled Emigrant
- d) Common Grass Yellow
- Answer: d) Common Grass Yellow
- How many butterfly species were identified during the survey at the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve?
- a) 217
- b) 185
- c) 200
- d) 150
- Answer: b) 185
- Which organization coordinated the butterfly survey along with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department and WWF-India?
- a) The Nature and Butterfly Society (TNBS) Coimbatore
- b) The National Butterfly Foundation
- c) The Indian Wildlife Society
- d) The Forest Conservation Trust
- Answer: a) The Nature and Butterfly Society (TNBS) Coimbatore
- Who stated that butterflies are critical components of the ecosystem and reflect the health of their habitat?
- a) A Pavendhan
- b) C Vidhya
- c) WWF-India representative
- d) A forest ranger
- Answer: b) C Vidhya
- Which butterfly is recognized as the state butterfly of Tamil Nadu?
- a) Malabar Raven
- b) Paris Peacock
- c) Tamil Yeoman
- d) Chocolate Albatross
- Answer: c) Tamil Yeoman