Nilgiri Biosphere Nature Park
Butterfly Garden: A Sanctuary for Butterfly Enthusiasts and Conservationists
Nestled in the heart of nature, the NBNP Anaikatty Butterfly Garden is a paradise for butterfly enthusiasts and conservationists. This vibrant garden is home to an impressive 111 butterfly species, including endemics like the Nilgiri Tit, Malabar Banded Peacock, and Tamil Yeoman, the state butterfly. The garden thrives with 21 host plants and 34 nectar plants, meticulously cultivated to support the butterflies' life cycles.
Key Features of the Butterfly Garden:
Diverse Butterfly Species
The garden boasts a remarkable variety of butterflies, making it a hotspot for biodiversity. Among the notable species are:
- Nilgiri Tit
- Malabar Banded Peacock
- Tamil Yeoman
- Orange Awlet
- Silver Royal
- Common Imperial
- Fluffy Tit
The garden's lush vegetation and well-designed landscapes play a crucial role in creating a thriving ecosystem for butterflies. The presence of 21 host plants and 34 nectar plants ensures the butterflies have ample resources for feeding and reproduction.
Man-Made Mud-Puddling Area
A strategically crafted man-made mud-puddling area provides essential minerals and moisture for butterflies. This feature is crucial for the delicate creatures, offering a necessary supplement to their diet.
Migration Phenomenon
One of the most captivating events at the garden is the migration phenomenon recorded in November at noon. Thousands of migratory butterflies, including:
- Plain Tiger
- Striped Tiger
- Blue Tiger
- Dark Blue Tiger
- Glassy Tiger
- Common Crow
- Double Branded Crow
- Common Albatross
- Common Gull
Congregate in the park's trees and near artificial ponds, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
Conservation, Research, and Education
The NBNP Anaikatty Butterfly Garden is the first established and authorized butterfly garden dedicated to conservation, research, and education. It offers engaging initiatives for students and the public, including:
- Butterfly Identification Sessions: Interactive sessions to help enthusiasts and students identify various butterfly species.
- Butterfly Gardening Workshops: Workshops to educate participants on creating butterfly-friendly environments in their own gardens.
Importance of Butterfly Conservation
Butterfly conservation involves efforts to preserve and protect butterfly species and their habitats. Butterflies play crucial roles in ecosystems as pollinators and indicators of environmental health. However, they face several threats, including habitat loss, climate change, pesticide use, and invasive species.
The NBNP Anaikatty Butterfly Garden is not just a picturesque spot but a beacon of butterfly conservation. By fostering a deeper connection with these exquisite creatures through educational initiatives and conservation efforts, the garden promotes awareness and ensures the survival of these ecologically important insects. Coordinated efforts at local, regional, and global levels are essential to protect and preserve the vibrant world of butterflies.