Butterfly fauna of Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Hospet, Bellary District, Karnataka, India

  • Harisha MN Department of Post Graduate studies and research in Wildlife Management, Kuvempu University, Jnana Sahyadri, Shankaraghatta- 577451, Shimoga, Karnataka
  • Hosetti BB Department of Post Graduate studies and research in Applied Zoology, Kuvempu University, Jnana Sahyadri, Shankaraghatta- 577451, Shimoga, Karnataka
Keywords: Deccan Plateau, Hypolimnas misippus, Pachliopta hector, Lampides boeticus, Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972, Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary

Abstract

Butterflies were enumerated during February 2010 to January 2012 using pollard walk method to assess the species diversity in the tropical thorn dry deciduous (Deccan Plateau) scrub jungle with granite boulder outcrop habitats of Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Bellary District, Karnataka. This area, a total of 5,587.30 hectares is being proposed for the conservation of threatened species of Indian subcontinent the Sloth bear, Melursus ursinus and announded as a Sanctuary. A total of 41 butterfly species belonging to Hesperiidae, Papilionidae, Pieridae, Lycaenidae and Nymphalidae families were recorded. Two species of butterflies recorded from this region have a protected status under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Habitat destruction in terms of mining activity can be a potential threat to this area and is suggested to be the reason for the reduction of species richness and abundance of butterflies in impacted areas of the study site. This study provides support for long-term conservation of these fragmented scrub forest to ensure biodiversity protection.

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Published
2013-04-02
How to Cite
MN, H., & BB, H. (2013). Butterfly fauna of Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Hospet, Bellary District, Karnataka, India. Journal of Research in Biology, 3(2), 840-846. Retrieved from https://ojs.jresearchbiology.com/ojs1/index.php/jrb/article/view/288