Study on Diversity and Abundance of Butterflies (Insecta: Lepidoptera) in the Vicinity of Karhandla Gate, Umred-Pauni-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary, Umred, Maharashtra, India

Butterflies, belonging to class Insecta, order Lepidoptera, the symbol of beauty and grace, play important role in biodiversity surveys as they are very sensitive to minute environmental fluctuations and habitat alteration. A survey-based study was conducted in the vicinity of Karhandla Gate, Umred-Pauni-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary of Maharashtra to explore butterflies and to estimate their diversity and abundance, and to grasp the need for conservation of the study area. Altogether 54 species of butterflies belonging to 40 genera and 5 families (Nymphalidae, Papilionidae, Pieridae, Lycaenidae and Hesperiidae) were recorded during this study, of which five species are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972. Family Nymphalidae was found dominant with 47.04% of total butterflies, 44.44% of total recorded species and 40% of total recorded genera. The calculated values of Shannon-Weiner index, Simpson's index, Pielou’s evenness index of diversity and Margalef's Richness index were found 3.74, 0.97, 0.94 and 6.68 respectively, indicating the area is rich in butterfly diversity with high abundance and evenness. The butterflies with high occurrence frequency percentage were Euploea core, Parantica aglea, Symphaedra nais, Pareronia hippia, Eurema hecabe, Papilio polytes and Pachliopta aristolochiae. This survey-based study will be an important biological tool to assess the habitat condition or ecosystem health of the study area that surrounds the wildlife sanctuary and to adopt the management strategies for biodiversity conservation of this region along with similar geographical regions that ultimately ensure sustenance of butterflies and their habitat.