Nilgiri Biosphere Nature Park – Butterfly Garden
Nilgiri Biosphere Nature Park Butterfly Garden
NBNP Anaikatty Butterfly Garden, nestled in the heart of nature, is a haven for butterfly enthusiasts and conservationists alike. Boasting a remarkable record of 118 butterfly species, including endemics like the Nilgiri Tit and Malabar Banded Peacocks, and our state butterfly Tamil Yeoman, the garden is a thriving ecosystem with 21 host and 34 nectar plants carefully cultivated to support their life cycles.
A strategically crafted man-made mud-puddling area provides essential minerals and moisture for these delicate creatures, while daily offerings of ripe fruit attract a multitude of butterflies, enhancing the experience for visitors. Rare sightings of the Orange Awlet, Silver Royal, Common Imperial, and Fluffy Tit add to the park's scientific significance.
The lush vegetation and thoughtfully landscaped surroundings not only create a picturesque environment but also play a crucial role in supporting the life of butterflies. Witness the phenomenon of migration, recorded in November, at noon time where thousands of migratory butterflies, including the Plain Tiger, Striped Tiger, Blue Tiger, Dark Blue Tiger, Glassy Tiger, Common Crow, Double Branded Crow, mesmerizing congregation in the park's trees, Common Albatross, and Common Gull pudding near artificial ponds.
NBNP Anaikatty Butterfly Garden is more than just a picturesque spot; it holds the distinction of being the first established and authorized butterfly garden, exclusively dedicated to conservation, research and education. For students and the public, engaging initiatives like butterfly identification sessions and butterfly gardening workshops provide an immersive experience, fostering a deeper connection with these exquisite creatures and promoting awareness and conservation efforts.
Butterfly conservation refers to the efforts and initiatives aimed at preserving and protecting butterfly species and their habitats. Butterflies play important roles in ecosystems as pollinators and indicators of environmental health. However, like many other species, butterflies face threats such as habitat loss, climate change, pesticide use and invasive species.
Conservation efforts for butterflies typically involve various strategies, including:
Habitat Preservation:
Protecting natural habitats such as meadows, grasslands, forests, wetlands, and coastal areas where butterflies live and breed. Creating and restoring butterfly-friendly habitats is also an important aspect.
Raising Awareness:
Educating the public about the importance of butterflies, their role in ecosystems, and the threats they face can help garner support for conservation efforts. Awareness campaigns can also encourage individuals to take actions to protect butterfly habitats and reduce negative impacts on butterfly populations.
Overall, butterfly conservation requires coordinated efforts at local, regional, and global levels to ensure the survival of these beautiful and ecologically important insects