NAVI MUMBAI: A young naturalist and researcher from Kharghar, Tarang Sarin, has documented 45 species of butterflies in and around Kharghar locality. Of these, four species are ‘protected’.
Talking to TOI, Sarin said: “Kharghar is blessed to have so many varied butterfly species in the wetlands, plains and hills. Of the 45 species I observed in Kharghar, four are protected species under Schedule 2 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. These are Sahyadri Plain Puffin, Sahyadri Blue Oakleaf, Gram Blue and Danaid Eggfly. The former two are found only in the Sahyadri region while the other two are found in different parts of the country.”
He added that presence of butterflies indicates a healthy environment. “They are a part of the food chain. They also help in pollinating the vegetation. Butterflies are a part of the ecosystem. So, the presence of rare butterflies indicates that a place like Kharghar is valuable for biodiversity. So, we should save such places, as a butterfly protected under law must be given importance, and its habitat,” said Sarin.
He has uploaded his findings on the official website of Butterflies Of India (ifoundbutterflies), to spread awareness among citizens of these colourful winged beauties. A few common varieties found here include Common Grass Yellow, Lime Blue, Palmfly, Common Castor, Plain Tiger and Common Mormon and others.
Environmentalist B N Kumar of NatConnect Foundation said: “It is indeed heartening to know that we have so many beautiful butterflies in Kharghar, which is chiefly due to presence of wetlands, greenery. The long-pending demand of nature lovers that wetlands of Kharghar must be notified and protected must be implemented by the state government. Priority must be given to the environment and the supporting biodiversity.”
