Journal of Environmental Biology

Diversity and community structure of butterfly of Arignar Anna

Zoological Park, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Author Details

T. Rajagopal

(Corresponding author)

Department of Biotechnology, Ayya Nagar Janaki, Ammal College (Autonomous), Sivakasi - 626 124, India

e-mail: deer_raj@yahoo.co.in

M. Sekar

Tamil Nadu Forest Department, Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur, Chennai - 600 048, India

A. Manimozhi

Tamil Nadu Forest Department, Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur, Chennai - 600 048, India

N. Baskar

Tamil Nadu Forest Department, Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur, Chennai - 600 048, India

G. Archunan

Center for Pheromone Technology, Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences,

Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli - 620 024, India

Publication Data

Paper received:

07 January 2010

Revised received:

30 March 2010

Accepted:

20 April 2010

Abstract

Investigation was carried out on the diversity of butterfly fauna in selected localities of conservation and breeding center of Arignar Anna Zoological Park (AAZP), Chennai, Tamil Nadu. A total of 56 species were recorded, 15 of them belonged to Pieridae, 12 Nymphalidae, 9 Satyridae, 8 Papilionidae, 7 Danaidae, 3 Lycaenidae and 1 species each belonged to the families Acraeidae and Hesperidae. Qualitatively and quantitatively Pieridae family were comparatively dominant than that of other families. The notable addition to the 25 more species listed during this observation were compared to previous field survey. Comparison of butterfly species distribution between the different localities revealed that butterfly species richness was higher at mountain region with 52 species and lowest of 25 species at public visiting areas. Visitor?s activities may be that reason for effects on butterfly distribution and lack of vegetation. Each five endemic and protected species (i.e. endangered) listed under the Wildlife (Protection) Act were highlighted greater conservation importances of the AAZP. It is suggest that butterfly species diversity generally increase with increase in vegetation and declines with the increase in disturbance.?

Key words

Butterfly diversity, Zoo visitors, Zoological park

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