Higher count of butterfly species recorded in Pachamalai during Forest Department study

A recent study by the Forest Department in the lush, green and serene Pachamalai Hills under the Tiruchi Forest Division has recorded a higher count of butterfly species and a healthy butterfly population

A recent study by the Forest Department in the lush, green and serene Pachamalai Hills under the Tiruchi Forest Division has recorded a higher count of butterfly species and a healthy butterfly population.  A total of 126 butterfly species were recorded during the two-day study that was carried out by The Nature and Butterfly Society in coordination with the Forest Department team of the Thuraiyur range.

The assessment of butterfly species was done on December 14 and 15 during which certain rare species were recorded. The places of exploration included Sengattupatti extension reserve forest, Solamathi reserve forest, Kaliyamman Kovil Thittu reserve forest, Kannimarsolai reserve forest, Melur reserve forest, Top Sengattupatti and Mangalam falls.

The habitat covered included primary mixed deciduous forest, riverine, and secondary forest growth. The species recorded during the study were from all the six available butterfly families: Swallowtails, Whites and Yellows, Brush-footed butterflies, Blues, Metalmarks and Skippers. 

Important species sighted across all six families include Blue Mormon, Common Banded Peacock, Small Grass Yellow, Dark Wanderer, Common Jezebel, Common Palmfly, Monkey Puzzle, Leaf Blue, Guava Blue, Redspot, Water Snow Flat, Restricted Spotted Flat, Grass Demon, Dark Palm Dart, Commander, Blackvein Sergeant and Long-banded Silverline.

The highlight of the study included the sighting of Banded Royal species which is relatively rare in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu. This butterfly belonging to the blue family was seen in good numbers in the thick forests. This species is legally protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Certain species of butterflies which are either rare or seen in a smaller population were also sighted in the Pachamalai hills in large populations which is a good sign. These include Common Albatross, Small Grass Yellow, Double-banded Judy, Rustic and Common Small Flat.

A similar study undertaken in Pachamalai in 2016 and 2022 recorded 105 and 109 species respectively. The high species count and population indicate healthy butterfly habitat and required continuous protection as is the case now, said a Forest Department official and added that the study report had been submitted to the Tamil Nadu Forest Department.  The scenic Pachamalai hills endowed with thick forest areas, ridges, and valleys is home to various birds and animals.