The much-awaited scientific survey to confirm the presence of the number of butterfly species in the Mulapadu block of the Kondapalli Reserve Forest (KRF) for developing the State’s first butterfly park has begun.
Forest Department authorities in collaboration with the Birds Society of Andhra Pradesh and wildlife photographers are documenting the butterfly species on a stretch of two kilometres of the strategic forest area in the KRF.
Exclusive display board
“The Mulapadu block is home to more than 50 butterfly species as per previous studies. The survey is being undertaken to document individual species. An exclusive display board for each species will be set up in the proposed butterfly theme park soon,” Vijayawada Divisional Forest Officer Mr. Ramachandra Rao told The Hindu .
It is learnt that a total of 150 species of butterflies have been recorded in the Eastern Ghats.
Fragile habitat
“A proposal to ban entry of the two and four-wheelers in the forest trail beginning at the Mulapadu block is under consideration. The idea is to protect the fragile habitat and enable the visitors to witness the scintillating scenes of butterflies. The theme park will be developed in a phased manner by adding multiple attractions,” added Mr. Ramachandra Rao. The study will also document the presence of different plant species from which the butterflies collect the feed — nectar.
“The study will be useful in conservation of the plant species that attract butterflies,” said Mr. Ramachandra Rao. Ornithologists would be consulted to identify the butterfly species.
The Forest Department had earlier toyed with the idea of developing the butterfly park at the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park in Visakhapatnam.
