State PCS - Uttar Pradesh (UP PCS)

• 10 Jun 2025

Dudhwa Tiger Reserve Boasts Butterfly Diversity

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.