Dudhwa Tiger Reserve Boasts Butterfly Diversity

• 10 Jun 2025

Why in News? 

Known for its large tiger population, the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR), Uttar Pradesh, now boasts 180 species of butterflies, signaling a healthier ecosystem and enhanced conservation efforts.

Key Points 

• Rise in Butterfly Species: 
  • A recent survey by the University of Lucknow recorded over 110 butterfly species in DTR, up from the earlier known count of just 45. 
  • Migratory and Rare Species: 
    • Migratory butterflies from Uttarakhand contribute to the growing diversity in Uttar Pradesh. 
    • Rare and notable species identified include Common Mormon, Common Mine, Common Lime, Tawny Coaster, Gaudy Baron (rare), Striped Tiger, Common Tiger (both sexes), Grey Count (rare), Commander. 
  • Significance:  
    • Butterflies, known as bio-indicators, are highly sensitive to climate change and thrive only in ecologically sound environments. 
    • This sharp increase signals a healthier and more balanced ecosystem. 
• About Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR): 
  • Background: 
    • Conservationist Billy Arjan Singh played a key role in securing the National Park status for Dudhwa in 1977. 
    • It was later designated a Tiger Reserve in 1987. 
    • Conservationist Billy Arjan Singh played a key role in securing the National Park status for Dudhwa in January 1977. 
  • Composition:  
    • The Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) includes: 
      • Dudhwa National Park 
      • Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary 
      • Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary 
    • Buffer zones from North Kheri, South Kheri, and Shahjahanpur forest divisions. 
  • Flora and Fauna: 
    • The region represents a Tarai-Bhabar ecosystem of the Upper Gangetic plains.  
    • The vegetation is primarily North Indian Moist Deciduous Forest. 
    • The reserve is known for its rich biodiversity, home to a wide variety of flora and fauna including the Bengal tiger, Indian rhinoceros, swamp deer, leopard and several species of birds. 
  • Biodiversity and Conservation Status: 
    • Dudhwa National Park, covering an area of 490.3 sq km, is home to 135 tigers, out of a total of 205 tigers in Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant increase from 82 tigers in 2018. 
    • In the 2022 All-India Tiger Census, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) was ranked fourth in India for its tiger population. 

Note:

• In 2015, Maharashtra became the first state in India to designate the "Blue Mormon" (Papilio polymnestor) as its state butterfly.  
• This butterfly is the second largest in India, only behind the Southern Birdwing.