A two-day monsoon butterfly census started at Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in Nilgiris. Conducted by TNBS, WWF, and the forest department, it includes over 100 participants and covers nine forest divisions.
Udhagamandalam: The Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) in the Nilgiris saw the commencement of a two-day monsoon butterfly census on Saturday, engaging numerous volunteers including college students in a significant ecological event. This annual survey aims to monitor and document butterfly species within the reserve, contributing valuable data towards their conservation.
The Nature of Butterfly Society (TNbs), World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and the forest department have joined hands to carry out this extensive exercise. According to an official source, "We have identified 16 locations across the five forest divisions in the core zone and another four forest divisions in the buffer zone of the MTR to conduct the census. Over 100 individuals, comprising volunteers, members of TNBS and WWF, and forest officials, are actively participating."
Prior to the commencement of the census, a training programme was organized for all participants at Theppakadu elephant camp on Friday to prepare them for the fieldwork. The collective efforts of these teams are expected to further enrich our understanding of the butterfly populations in the reserve.
After the completion of the census, TNbs in collaboration with the forest department will compile the findings. The previous census held in 2022 recorded at least 180 different species of butterflies in the area, underscoring the rich biodiversity of MTR and the importance of ongoing environmental monitoring efforts.
The Nature of Butterfly Society (TNbs), World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and the forest department have joined hands to carry out this extensive exercise. According to an official source, "We have identified 16 locations across the five forest divisions in the core zone and another four forest divisions in the buffer zone of the MTR to conduct the census. Over 100 individuals, comprising volunteers, members of TNBS and WWF, and forest officials, are actively participating."
Prior to the commencement of the census, a training programme was organized for all participants at Theppakadu elephant camp on Friday to prepare them for the fieldwork. The collective efforts of these teams are expected to further enrich our understanding of the butterfly populations in the reserve.
After the completion of the census, TNbs in collaboration with the forest department will compile the findings. The previous census held in 2022 recorded at least 180 different species of butterflies in the area, underscoring the rich biodiversity of MTR and the importance of ongoing environmental monitoring efforts.