Delhi Butterfly Corridors

• 01 Jul 2019

As per Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) report, the creation of butterfly corridors in Delhi with close to 100 hotspots is underway.

• At present, there are 17 hotspots where butterfly parks or gardens have been created in the last few years.
  
  • A variety of host plants will be grown at such parks and gardens in the green corridor to attract more butterflies.

• At most locations there are already some native trees and plant species that are hosts to butterflies, but additional plantation is being undertaken to ensure a diversity of species arrive there.
• The closer the green areas, the easier it will be for butterflies to move from one location to another.
• A large butterfly garden exists at Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary and Garden of Five Senses.
  
  • There are many parks in the surrounding of these locations attracting more butterflies.
• In September, 2017, the first butterfly month was observed in Delhi by BNHS and Delhi forest department, culminating in a record species count.
• In 2018, 75 species were recorded in urban and forested locations.
  
  • Among the rare species recorded were the common redeye, common short silverline, dingy swift, common blue line, Balkan pierrot and spotted pierrot, among others.
• The survey over the past two years has shown that diversity of butterfly species was very low at new parks that have ornamental and exotic plants.
• The diversity is higher at places like the Ridge, which has native species of plants and trees.

The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)

• The BNHS, a pan-India wildlife research organization, has been promoting the cause of nature conservation since 1883.
• BNHS Mission: Conservation of nature, primarily biological diversity through action based on research, education and public awareness
• BNHS Vision: Premier independent scientific organization with a broad based constituency, excelling in the conservation of threatened species and habitats.