To watch the striped tiger, visit Srirangam. If now you have butterflies in the stomach, rest assured that no big cat is on the prowl in the temple town near here.
Striped tiger is a gentle butterfly species that has found refuge in a conservatory established in the town. Keeping it company will be crimson rose, common mormon, lime butterfly, pansy, blue tiger, common jezebel and some 30 other species.
The conservatory, sandwiched between the Cauvery and the Coleroon rivers on a 10-hectare reserve forest area near the Upper Anicut (Mukkombu), will be declared open shortly.
Protecting butterflies and educating the public about the role played by them in maintaining the ecological balance are its remit.
FacilitiesAn outdoor conservatory with floral patches, an indoor conservatory, a breeding lab, an interpretation centre, active and passive humidifers and a children’s play corner have been set up.
An added attraction inside is a “Nakshatra Vanam” featuring 27 tree or plant species corresponding to 27 stars of the Hindu almanac and 12 tree or plant species corresponding to the zodiac signs.
A 1.2-km walkway has been laid and various plant species have been raised. Nectar plants and lawns create a natural habitat for butterflies.
The Forest Department has spent Rs. 8 crore on the conservatory.
Of the sum, Rs. 1 crore has been sanctioned by the State-owned Tamil Nadu Forest Corporation Ltd. under its corporate social responsibility initiative.
The department had engaged consultants and experts in drawing up the plan for the conservatory, which is the largest in the State, an official said.
Careful lightingTo maintain a natural atmosphere, lighting has been carefully provided to attract butterflies, the official said.
The indoor conservatory would have a coolant system. After its meticulous execution, the conservatory is now all set to welcome visitors, said official sources.
The facility would be inaugurated soon.
Green panelsAn eco-development committee is to be constituted comprising tribal people for the maintenance of the conservatory initially through the revenue generated from visitors.
A Forest Department team would be deployed to maintain the conservatory, the official said.
Parking lots for four- and two-wheelers have been provided outside.
The official said an amphitheatre and additional irrigation systems are the future improvements to be made from the Rs. 3.3 crore funds allocated by the State Tourism Department.
