The declining trend of the honeybee and butterfly population poses a threat to biodiversity. Global warming, waning green cover, increased pollution levels and industrialisation all contribute to the imbalance in ecological system. Unless we consider serious measures to conserve our nature, calamities such as cyclone Hudhud will continue to affect the coast, professor in the Department of Zoology, Andhra University Ch. Manjulatha has said.
She was addressing a group of students at an awareness programme called ‘Help bees and help food production’ organised by the India Youth for Society at BVK Degree College recently. “Every one of us can play a role in conserving nature by saving energy and resources and by adapting an eco-friendly lifestyle,” she said.
Professor in Department of Environmental Sciences, AU A.J. Solomon Raj spoke on various types of butterflies and bees that help in pollination. “The production of food depends on the pollination. Butterflies and honeybees are good pollinators and hence there is a need to help protect these endangered species,” he said.
In line with the event, a photo exhibition was held on the college premises to help students understand the process of pollination of flowers and the significance of growing particular species of plants to attract birds and insects. The experts suggested growing creepers and placing bird feeders and creating an eco-friendly atmosphere to bring balance in the ecological system.
N.B Murthy of Green Pals Club, president of the society Palakonda Madhu and founder Appala Naidu emphasised the need to flag off a new campaign ‘Veelaithe nalagu ginjalu, kudirithe koncham neellu’ to help conserve biodiversity.
