The Forest Department has introduced a programme for butterfly enthusiasts, students and environmentalists to give them an orientation on butterfly species and their life cycle at the sprawling Tropical Butterfly Conservatory at Srirangam.
The programme formally took off on Monday coinciding with the World Environment Day. Forest Department officials said henceforth the day-long programme would be conducted on the first and 16th of every month. Those interested would have to pay ₹100 to attend the programme. Certificates would be issued to the participants.
The participants would be taken around the conservatory and told about the methods to identify butterfly species, said an official. They would also be told about the life-cycle of butterflies, their habitat and environment and the ways to conserve the species. In addition to forest department officials, butterfly experts would be roped in to enlighten the participants. Established on a 25-acre reserve forest area situated between the Cauvery and the Coleroon river, the butterfly conservatory at Srirangam is one of its kind in the State.
Over 60 species of butterfly were recorded during a survey conducted a couple of months ago at the lush green conservatory which also has a “Nakshtra Vanam” inside besides an amphitheatre and various tree and plant species to attract butterflies.
Those interested in attending the programme could contact the Forest Ranger of the Butterfly Conservatory in the mobile number: 94425-19469.
