Season and landscape wise distribution of butterflies in Tamhini, northern Western Ghats, India

Abstract

Our study takes the first step of documenting butterfly diversity and distribution along the seasonal gradient and across five landscape elements. We censused butterfly community in Tamhini, northern Western Ghats, across six seasons and five landscape elements using line transect method for two years. A total of 69 butterfly species belonging to 52 genera and five families were encountered in the study area. The data was analysed for and diversity. There were two peaks in the diversity in summer and early winter. Monsoon fauna was distinctly different from that of other seasons. Maximum diversity was observed in the partially disturbed areas with human habitation. Landscape type satisfying variable niche showed maximum diversity. Our findings in the seasonal and landscape wise distribution of butterflies are important with respect to monitoring animal diversity and defining conservation strategies in the northern Western Ghats.