Declining Swallowtail Butterflies in Assam: A Call for Conservation

Declining Swallowtail Butterflies in Assam: A Call for Conservation

Sub: Env

Sec: Species in news

Why in the News

A recent study highlights the alarming decline of swallowtail butterflies in Assam’s Bodoland Territorial Region, primarily due to habitat loss and overexploitation of their host plants. The findings underscore the need for urgent conservation measures in this biodiversity-rich area.

About Swallowtail Butterflies

Family: Papilionidae

Global Species: 573 species

Species in India: 77 species, including:

Papilio paris (Paris peacock)

Papilio machaon (Common Yellow Swallowtail)

Papilio polytes (Common Mormon)

Papilio demoleus (Lime Butterfly)

Atrophaneura species (Red-bodied Swallowtail)

Teinopalpus imperialis (Kaiser-i-Hind)

Physical Traits: Large size, brightly colored wings, and tail-like extensions on hindwings.

Behavior: Strong fliers, diurnal activity, and territorial nature; primarily feed on nectar.

Global Range: Found in tropical and temperate regions across Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Environmental Indicators: Butterflies serve as key indicators of environmental health, with their abundance and diversity reflecting the condition of their habitats.

Supportive Ecosystem: The Bodoland Territorial Region, covering 8,970 sq. km, has around 40% forest cover, crucial for supporting various plant species that are food sources for swallowtail larvae.

Swallowtail-rich Zone: The northeastern region, particularly Assam, is designated as a “swallowtail-rich zone” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with 69 species documented here.

Habitat in India: Commonly inhabits rainforests, woodlands, cultivated lands, and protected areas such as the Western Ghats and Northeast India.

Feeding Requirements: Depend on specific plant families for larval development, including: Rutaceae (citrus plants), Aristolochiaceae, Lauraceae and Magnoliaceae

Swallowtail Conservation Action Plan (SCAP): To protect endangered swallowtail species and prevent extinction. Northeastern India identified as a crucial conservation area under SCAP.

Legal Protection: 12 swallowtail species in India are federally protected. Some species are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.

Habitat Degradation

Agriculture and Tea Cultivation: Proximity to agricultural activities and tea cultivation near butterfly habitats is detrimental to their survival.

Illegal Activities: Illegal cattle farming and tree felling within protected areas further exacerbate the situation.

Pesticide Use: The application of pesticides contributes to the declining health of butterfly populations.

The Citrus Connection

Citrus Belt: The North-east region is recognized as the “citrus belt of the world,” hosting 52 varieties of 17 citrus species and six hybrid species. The northeastern region of India includes states like Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram.

The Citrus Belt refers to regions where citrus fruits (such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits) are extensively cultivated.

Topography: Characterized by hilly terrain, valleys, and a diverse range of ecosystems. The region benefits from a subtropical climate conducive to citrus cultivation.

Key Varieties Grown: Oranges (especially mandarin), Lemons and Grapefruits.

Link to Swallowtails: The decline in wild citrus populations is linked to the disappearance of certain butterfly species, particularly those in the Papilio genus.