The vast expanse of green cover in the sprawling Tropical Butterfly Conservatory in Srirangam is also attracting variety of birds in addition to numerous butterfly species.
Birds found in dense forests and hillocks have also been sighted in the lush green conservatory which has a number of plant species, including nectar plants. Around 30 bird species have been recorded at the conservatory established on a huge reserve forest area sandwiched between the Cauvery and the Coleroon.
A forest Department official said among the bird species recorded were the Blue Winged Parakeet/ Malabar Parakeet, Grey Bellied Cuckoo and Black Naped Monarch, which are migratory birds. These birds mostly found in dense forest areas have been sighted at the conservatory, said the official. The vast expanse of green cover akin to that of a natural environment could have attracted these birds to the conservatory which has as many as 69 species of butterflies inside, said the official. Other bird species recorded include Rose Ringed Parakeet, White Headed Babler, Peafowl, Peahen, Small Green Bee Eater, Common Hoopoe, Grey Francolin, Red Vented Bulbull, Little Cormorant, Indian Paradise Fly Catcher, White Throated Kingfisher, Spotted Owlet, Koel and Spotted Dove.
The survey conducted on Sunday recorded a total number of 30 bird species.
Established with the objective of conserving butterfly species on a total area of 25 acres, the conservatory has an indoor and an outdoor conservatory with floral patches, a breeding laboratory, an interpretation centre, active and passive humidifiers and a children’s park besides a “Nakshtra Vanam” inside.
The amphitheatre which was set up as an added attraction has drawn nearly 15,000 school students from over 200 schools in Tiruchi and its neighbouring areas since it was thrown open to visitors in November last year, the official said.
With the summer vacation having begun, the Forest Department has planned to organise orientation programme for students on various butterfly species, its behaviour and migration patterns and its self-defence modification.
The programme would also drive home the role the butterflies play in maintaining ecological balance and the need to protect them.
