Butterfly diversity in a tropical urban habitat (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea)

Abstract

Butterflies are important pollinators and indicators of environmental health. Habitat destruction and fragmentation caused by developmental activities and poor natural resource management are the main reasons for the drastic decline of butterfly populations throughout the world, and prompt the need for effective conservation management. We assessed the diversity, richness, seasonal distribution and conservation priorities of butterflies in an inner-city parkland habitat (University of Dhaka, Bangladesh) and investigated the biotic, and abiotic factors affecting butterfly diversity. A total of 93 species from 5 families were recorded from January to December 2014. Nymphalidae and Papilionidae were the most and least dominant families in terms of species number. Butterflies across families generally selected nectar plants randomly, although some showed preference towards herbs. Spatial interpolation of butterfly richness indicated that the most suitable area was around Curzon Hall, an area containing different types of vegetation. Precipitation was the only abiotic factor with a significant relationship with butterfly species richness. The establishment of green areas with complex structural vegetation will improve microclimatic conditions for butterflies, promoting healthier urban ecosystems, and the conservation of butterflies and other associated species in inner-city areas.