Abstract
The butterfly diversity of Baghmundi, Purulia District (22.600–23.500N & 85.750–86.650E), West Bengal, India was studied from January 2014 to December 2015 with photographic documentation. A total of 54 butterfly species were recorded representing 39 genera in six families. Nymphalidae was the most dominant family with 46.3% of the total species. As this is the first report of butterfly diversity from this region, the present study may help in planning conservation strategies and generate awareness among the local people and government authorities to save wildlife and their habitats.
Highlights
Butterflies are a taxonomically well-studied group throughout the world (Ghazoul 2002) and are indicator taxa in terms of habitat quality and anthropogenic disturbance (Kocher & Williams 2000)
Purulia District is situated in the western part (22.600–23.500N & 85.750–86.650E) of West Bengal, India and the Baghmundi block is located within the Purulia Sadar West subdivision of Purulia District
The forest falls under northern tropical dry deciduous forest and are mostly Coppice Sal Shorea robusta forest mixed with miscellaneous species like Palash Butea monosperma, Kusum Schleichera oleosa, Mahua Madhuca longifolia, Neem Azadirachta indica and Kendu Diospyros melanoxylon (Das 2016)
Summary
Butterflies are a taxonomically well-studied group throughout the world (Ghazoul 2002) and are indicator taxa in terms of habitat quality and anthropogenic disturbance (Kocher & Williams 2000). The present study was conducted at three different study sites (Site 1, 2 and 3) with three different habitat types located in the Baghmundi block of Purulia District (22.600–23.500N & 85.750–86.650E), West Bengal, India (Fig. 1). The selection of study sites were made based on the range of habitat types and ease of access for observation of butterfly diversity. Baghmundi Village and adjoining areas were selected as Site 1 (Image 1).
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