Latest news with #TropicalButterflyConservatory
Time of India
31-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
New plant drive boosts butterfly habitat at Trichy conservatory
In a bid to strengthen butterfly conservation, the forest department in Trichy has launched a fresh initiative at the Tropical Butterfly Conservatory (TBCT) near Srirangam by introducing over 100 new varieties each of host and nectar plants. The effort is part of a larger push to improve butterfly habitats and boost species diversity at the state's only tropical conservatory. "We are taking continuous and focused steps to strengthen butterfly conservation at TBCT," said Trichy district forest officer S Krithiga. "Most recently, we introduced a new batch of host and nectar plants, a hundred varieties each, sourced from across the country." Established in 2015 near Melur at a cost of ₹8 crore, TBCT began with just 25 identified butterfly species. Over the years, thanks to sustained efforts in habitat improvement, the number has grown to 131. "The increase in identified species is a result of our ongoing conservation work," Krithiga said. Host plants play a critical role in the butterfly life cycle. They serve as sites for egg-laying and food for the larvae, which undergo metamorphosis into pupae and finally emerge as adult butterflies. Once matured, butterflies rely on nectar plants for nutrition required for flight, reproduction, and survival. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Researchers at TBCT point out that butterfly populations are under threat globally due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. "Butterflies are vital pollinators," said M John, a researcher at the conservatory. "They transfer pollen from flower to flower, and many of the butterflies that emerge here eventually move beyond the conservatory, contributing to the larger environment." Research fellow M Nishalini added that the conservatory's garden layout helps maintain a microclimate conducive to butterfly breeding. "By regulating temperature and humidity and keeping pollution levels low, we create favourable conditions for their survival and growth," she said. The nectar plants provide essential nutrients, including carbohydrates and amino acids, that support various functions such as flight and reproduction. Alongside the host and nectar plants, TBCT has introduced over 30 varieties each of medicinal and herbal plants to further enrich the ecosystem. Rare species spotted at the conservatory include the Southern Birdwing (Troides minos), Commander (Moduza procris), Spotted Joker (Byblia ilithyia), Common Palmfly (Elymnias hypermnestra), and Peacock Royal (Tajuria cippus). Common species include Blue Tiger, Plain Tiger, Emigrant, Common Crow, and Grass Yellow. Interactive displays and amphitheatre-based visual presentations are used at TBCT to raise awareness among visitors about biodiversity and ecological conservation. Trichy forest range officer V P Subramaniyam noted that the growing butterfly diversity could also boost eco-tourism. "This could bring in more visitors and help generate revenue for the forest department," he said.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Time of India
Renovated butterfly park has more to offer now
Trichy: Trichy's butterfly park near Srirangam, one of the most important tourist attractions in the city, has been renovated by the forest department at Rs1 crore after nearly ten years. Officially known as Tropical Butterfly Conservatory , the park had lost its visual appeal in recent years. "After its inauguration, the park lacked maintenance for over nine years. A proposal was made, and Rs1 crore allocated. We have repaired the damaged infrastructure, renovated the features and painted the entire park since December," district forest officer S Krithiga told TOI. The entrance arch has been renovated and modified, and the damaged pavements have been changed. Interactive information boards have been installed, and features like amphitheatre, indoor conservatory, breeding lab and restrooms renovated. "We are introducing new batches of host plants for breeding and nectar plants for food sources at the host plant area. New play items have been set up in the children's park. We are also adding new recreational activities to attract more visitors," Krithiga added. The Rs8 crore park was set up on 25 acres at Melur near Srirangam in the Upper Anaicut reserve forest area in Nov 2015. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The conservatory is considered a breeding habitat for more than a hundred species and several thousand butterflies, with features like nakshatravanam, breeding lab, resource garden and host plant area. The park also has attractions such as raasi vanam, amphitheatre, caterpillar walk, island, children's park, and eco shop for recreation. Some of the facilities at the conservatory suffered damaged during the Gaja Cyclone in 2018. With the 'wear and tear' putting off visitors, officials realised the need for renovation, rejuvenation and maintenance of the park last year. The work which commenced around December recently got over.
