A citizen science project has been launched to map the migratory path of butterflies in south India, making it the first such initiative in the country.
About:
Path and season: Usually butterfly migration starts during October-November with the onset of the northeast monsoon, from the plains to the ghats, and during April-May, just before the advent of the southwest monsoon, from the ghats to the plains.
Agencies involved: It is a joint initiative of The Ferns Naturalists’ Society (FNS), Wayanad, Travancore Natural History Society (TNHS), and the Malabar Natural History Society (MNHS).
Dominant species: A recent study revealed that four species of milkweed butterflies are mainly involved in the migration — the Dakhan Dark Blue Tiger, Oriental Blue Tiger, Double-branded Black Crow and Indian Common Crow.
Need of the study:
Butterfly migration is one of the least studied natural phenomena in the country. What is needed is a careful documentation of migration over a prolonged period from a given area.
For this, a wide network and coordination among butterfly watchers from different localities are needed. That’s why the initiative has been launched.
Dear Student,
You have still not entered your mailing address. Please enter the address where all the study materials will be sent to you. (If applicable).
