Survey spots rare butterfly species in Chinnar

Giji K. Raman
KATTAPPANA,  
The Hindu, March 24, 2015
A two-day survey held at the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary has helped to record some rare and endemic species of butterflies exclusive to the sanctuary.

The noteworthy findings are the Palani or Davidson’s Bushbrown, which is an endemic butterfly seen only in and around the Palani hills.

This grassland species was recorded at Puthukudy region in the sanctuary, according to the Munnar Wildlife Warden G. Prasad. Chinnar sanctuary is under the Munnar division and is noted for its unique habitat features though it falls in the rain shadow area.

“This species was photographed only once in the last 100 years,” said Prof. Kunhikrishnan, a team member and butterfly expert. The largest butterfly in India, the Southern Birdwing, was seen in Chinnar and the smallest butterfly, the Grass Jewel, was recorded at Thoovanam range of the sanctuary, said Mr Prasad.

The survey was organised as a joint venture by Kerala Forest Department, Kottayam Nature Society, and Travancore Natural History Society, Thiruvananthapuram. The survey was coordinated by Sanjayan N.K., range officer for Eravikulam National Park, and V.H. Aboobeckar, range officer for Shola National Park. It was led by E. Kunhikrishnan, Kalesh S., Toms Augustine and Jinesh P.S.

The participants conducted the survey using five base camps of Olikudi, Mangapara, Alampetty, Churulipetty, and Champakkad. Mr Prasad said the altitudes from 500 to 2000 msl, including some vegetation and habitat areas, were covered in the survey.

A total of 167 species were earlier recorded and on analysis, 46 species were added newly to the checklist of Chinnar. The total number of butterflies recorded touched 200.“The survey also rediscovered the Palni Dart, an uncommon skipper butterfly of the Palani region, which is an addition to the Kerala butterfly checklist,” said Dr. Kalesh, an expert on Hesperiidae butterflies.

Other important sightings are Travancore Evening Brown, Maculate Lancer, Malabar Rose, Indian Awlking, Orange tailed awl, Orange awlet, Vindhyan Bob, and the Spot puffin. Migration of Common Albatross, Plain Puffins, Emigrants, Common Crow, Double Branded Crow, and Blue tigers were noted from Eravikulam region towards Chinnar, while directional movement was observed for Pioneers and Gulls uphill.

Around 20 experts from various parts of the country participated in the survey along with butterfly enthusiasts and tribal watchers. The participants included representatives from Bangalore Butterfly Club, NCBS, and other research institutions. A formal report will be submitted to the Forest Department soon.