The suitability of butterflies as indicators of ecosystem eminence: A study on Abundance, diversity and community composition of Papilionid Butterflies at Peechi, Kerala.

Butterflies being pretty, various of their behavior require precise ecological situations for his or her survival. However, because of diverse reasons, especially because of human intervention, the habitats of many butterflies had been altered. Consequently, many species of butterflies that were once very common have vanished. Main objective of this study was to determine the diversity and dynamics of Swallowtail butterflies in the landscaped sites and to understand their effectiveness in conservation of these groups. Data pertaining to butterfly population, seasonal patterns and habitat associations was generated by making regular observations in the field along a transect for a period of 28 months from September 2010 to December 2012. A total of 3128 sightings of 12 species of were recorded during the study period.1510 individuals were recorded during the first half of the study and 1618 individuals in the second half. Six species, viz., Troides minos, Atrophaneura aristolochiae, Papilio polytes, P.polymnestor, C.clytia and G.agamemnon were commonly observed in the area during most of the seasons while species such as Atrophaneura hector, A.pandiyana, P.paris, P.dravidarum, P.demoleus, P.liomedon and G.sarpedon were present in the garden only during certain seasons. With regard to species abundance, except for A.aristolochiae and P. polymnestor which enjoyed relatively higher abundance and wider distribution within the study area. Information related to the community structure, composition and seasonal fluctuations of the butterfly fauna are very important and form a baseline data for the future conservation programmes.