Butterfly Diversity of Navsari Agricultural University (NAU), Navsari, Gujarat, India
Soufil Malek
*
Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, College of Forestry (COF), NAU, Navsari- 396450, Gujarat, India.
Minal Patel
Department of Forest Products and Utilization, College of Forestry (COF), NAU, Navsari- 396450, Gujarat, India.
Bimal Desai
Department of Basic Science and Humanities, College of Forestry (COF), NAU, Navsari- 396450, Gujarat, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: The first systematic attempt to assess and document the butterfly richness on the lush green campus of Navsari Agricultural University (NAU) campus.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Navsari Agricultural University (NAU) and was performed from September 2020 to December 2022.
Methodology: The opportunistic surveys were conducted on a monthly basis in the different pre-determined existing paths on the campus. Butterflies were sited, identified, and photographed during the surveys. The Identification of the species was carried out using field books and later confirmed by photographs taken during each survey referencing different available literature and online databases. The species identified were listed and classified into respective families.
Results: A total of 83 butterfly species belonging to 5 families were recorded at Navsari Agricultural University (NAU), Navsari, Gujarat between September 2020 to December 2022. 13 butterfly species recorded are protected under scheduled categories of Wildlife protection act, 1972, while 4 species listed under the IUCN red list viz. Euploea core under the Least concerned category, Hypolimnas misippus under the Least concerned category, Junonia almana under the Least concerned category, and Castalius rosimon under the vulnerable category were recorded. The Navsari Agricultural University campus hosts a wide variety of plant species, providing essential food and egg-laying sites for butterflies, which in turn plays a crucial role in determining the diversity and abundance of butterfly species found in the area.
Conclusion: From this study, it is evident that Navsari Agricultural University (NAU), Navsari, Gujarat has a diverse butterfly fauna.
Keywords: Lepidoptera, red list, host plant, Campus, urban landscapes, Butterfly’s diversity, Papilionidae