The fluttering gossamer wings of several butterfly species at the Butterfly Park at the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park have become silent. Following the short spell of heavy gale and rain last week, the mesh covering the Butterfly Park was affected as a result of which only four species of butterfly are left within the park now. The zoo authorities will start the restoration work of the Butterfly Park shortly.
Speaking to The Hindu , zoo curator G. Ramalingam said that heavy gales hit the park and many butterfly species were affected due to it. “We are in the process of re-building the mesh and the unit and will be releasing butterfly species within the enclosure again,” he said.
The park that was inaugurated in May last had more than 25 species of butterflies housed inside the meshed area. Recently, protected species like Crimson Rose, which is listed under Schedule 1 of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, was introduced in the park. After the destructions caused by the rain, only four species of Plain Tiger, Common Crow, Common Mormon and Glassy Tiger are left.
The zoo has a captive propagation unit where a team of biologists and butterfly researchers work in order to protect and conserve the butterfly species and larvae from predators like ants and other calamities.
Info centreNot only tourists and nature lovers, the Butterfly Park also attracts a new breed of butterfly watchers in the city and photographers who would spend hours to capture the tiny little species fluttering around the unit. It was also a rich information centre for school students.
Despite the temporary setback due to the rain, the team behind the Butterfly Park is hopeful of bringing back all the species and also introduce new ones. “We are planning to fetch specialised nylon mesh from Mumbai, which can withstand the vagaries of nature and harsh weather,” Mr. Ramalingam said.
