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Butterflies of Coimbatore Wetlands– A 5 Years Study
Butterflies & Wetlands
Wetlands are home to several specialist species, especially the trees and plants. In a city landscape, the wetlands assume
much significant role, as elsewhere in the city, the native trees and plants are under threat and are replaced by exotic, orna-
ment and non native species. So, for some species of flora, the wetlands and areas around them seem to be the last of hiding
place and so too the faunal life which is dependant on them, especially the butterflies. It is no exaggeration that some butter-
flies are seen only around the wetlands (because of their host plants are still around) and a few hundred meters away, we may
not find the same species until we touch the next wet land. This may also put severe pressure on the butterfly population and
gene flow because of fragmentation of habitat. Any adverse impact on wetland can temporarily/ permanently wipe out the
species from the location. Coimbatore wetlands are always home to butterflies and Pieridae are the family which truly enjoys
their presence.
Study Details
Between the period 2013 and 2017, nature walks to the wetlands were
undertaken at different points in time to the wetlands that was discussed
earlier. During every visit, family wise, species occurring along with its
count are noted down. The walks were almost throughout the years and
were mostly on Sundays. The duration of walks was 2-3 hours depending
on the climate and species availability. From the early data, it was clear
after a while that some wetlands house more number of species and rari-
ties than others; such wet lands were covered more often. In the last 6
months, all wetlands are covered at least once as part of the study. The
results were tabulated, analysed and discussed below:
PATTAMPOOCHI
A TNBS MAGAZINE
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