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Stage set for maiden survey of butterfly species in A.P.
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- The Forest Department and experts from Kerala and northeastern States will begin its first survey of butterfly species in the Papikonda National Park (PNP). The PNP spreads over 1012.86 sq.km. in East and West Godavari districts.
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- Aim of the Survey: Record all butterfly species, & also conduct a study on migratory species in the national park in the Papikonda hill range in the Eastern Ghats.
- Who will carry out the Survey: A total of 50 experts led by Kerala-based environmental forum Warblers and Waders, including ornithologists.
- Duration of Survey: 4-day survey is the maiden survey during which the entire national park will be explored, documenting butterfly species.
- Findings and report will be presented at the ‘Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species’ to be held in Gandhinagar in February 2020.
- Exercise will offer a picture of the existing biodiversity of the park. The diversity of butterfly species would be considered as a health indicator of the park.
- Papikonda National Park (PNP):
(1) Was declared as a national park in 2008.
(2) Located in the Papi Hills in East Godavari and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh.
(3) It is an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area and home to some endangered species of flora and fauna.
(4) Godavari River flows through the park.
(5) No part of Papikonda remains outside East and West Godavari districts after 2014 and after the construction of Polavaram Dam.
(6) It was established as Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuary in 1978.
(7) Forest Department officials say that the park is home to 121 butterfly species as per their internal studies.
Sources
The Hindu