In essence, butterflies are vital for ecosystem health
because they pollinate plants, which are crucial for food chains and
biodiversity, and their presence or absence indicates the overall health of an
environment. Butterflies rely on specific plant species for egg laying, larval
development, and as nectar sources. One of the major challenges affecting
butterfly diversity in India, including Kanpur, is the proliferation of Lantana
camara, an invasive flowering species. The present study examines the impact of
Lantana camara on butterfly diversity in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. This
study sheds insight into the approach for conserving butterfly species in urban
areas of the city. Many Field surveys were conducted over a period of a year in
various vegetation-rich places like Allen Forest, Chandrashekhar Azad
University, and Shyam Nagar to document the butterfly species visiting Lantana
camara as a nectar source. Species richness and their existence were observed
prominently every month throughout the study period. The study recorded 19
butterfly species from five major families as Papilionidae, Pieridae,
Nymphalidae, Lycaenidae and Hesperiidae. Results indicate that Lantana camara
provides a continuous nectar source, attracting a diverse range of butterfly species.
However, as an invasive species, it poses ecological concerns by competing with
native flora. The study highlights the need for balanced conservation
strategies to support butterfly populations while managing the spread of
Lantana camara. Future conservation strategies should prioritise maintaining
native plant diversity and monitoring butterfly populations as part of broader
biodiversity management practices.
Author(s) Details
Neetu Pandey
Department of Zoology, D.A.V. College, Kanpur, India.
Saras
Department of Zoology, D.A.V. College, Kanpur, India.
Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rpbs/v7/6311
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