Spatio-temporal distribution and diversity of butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea) across biotopes in the Kumaun division of Western Himalaya: implications for habitat modification and environmental monitoring
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46488/Abstract
The abundance and richness of butterflies in any ecosystem can help to develop effective conservation measures. This study surveyed butterfly assemblages in three distinct biotopes in the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand state, India. Random surveys from March 2023 to February 2024 covered agricultural crop field, riverine land, and urban land of human settlements. A total of 94 butterfly species belonging to six families were identified. Family Nymphalidae comprised maximum 42 species, followed by Pieridae (19), Lycaenidae (17), Papilionidae (08), Hesperiidae (05), and Riodinidae (03), with beta diversity revealing variations among the biotopes. Riverine biotope had the maximum alpha diversity and species richness, followed by urban and agriculture lands. The agro land and river catchment shared the highest number of common species than between urban settlement and river catchment, and least between the urban and rural agricultural gradients. Butterfly diversity peaked during the summer and post-monsoon seasons across all biotopes. Seven species were listed under Schedule-II of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act (1972), and one under Schedule-IV. The decline in butterfly diversity within the agricultural landscape suggests the negative impact of habitat loss, due to the expanding agricultural frontline in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. These results highlight the potential of butterfly communities as ecological indicators for monitoring further habitat modifications and environmental health in Western Himalayan ecosystems.
