BAU Launches Butterfly Conservation Programme
Bhagalpur: Concerned over the declining population of butterflies due to habitat loss caused by deforestation and the widespread use of pesticides and chemicals in agriculture, Bihar Agricultural University (BAU) has launched a conservation initiative at its research farm. The university is nurturing a butterfly garden to help conserve butterfly species and maintain ecological balance.
The initiative, christened the ‘Butterfly Conservation and Diversification Programme’, was launched in response to the rapid decline in butterfly populations, which play a crucial role in pollination and fruit production.
Led by BAU vice-chancellor D R Singh and director (research) A K Singh, a team of scientists comprising Tarak Nath Goswami, Ramanuj Vishwakarma, Paramveer Singh and PhD scholar Shriya Singh has been working on the project for over two years with the aim of developing a butterfly park and sanctuary on the university campus.
Since the programme began in 2024, the team has recorded 90 butterfly species. The highest number belonged to the Nymphalidae family (31 species), followed by Lycaenidae (30), Pieridae (15), Hesperiidae (8) and Papilionidae (6).
The VC said the study revealed that Nymphalidae was the dominant butterfly family in the region. Most species were recorded from the monsoon season to early winter, after which their numbers declined. Among the 90 species documented, Chestnut-Streaked Sailer, Common Sergeant, Gaudy Baron, Western Striped Albatross and Peacock Royal are among those protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, he said.
Describing the ecological significance of butterflies, the VC said these delicate winged insects belonging to the Lepidoptera order play a vital role in pollination, enabling plants to produce seeds and fruits. “Butterflies are essential for plant reproduction and food production, yet they are increasingly threatened by habitat destruction, construction activities and the excessive use of pesticides and insecticides,” he said.
As part of the conservation effort, BAU scientists are nurturing larval host plants such as False Ashoka, Castor, Marsh Barbel and Aak, which are crucial for the breeding and survival of different butterfly species. These plants are being cultivated both under polyhouse conditions and in open fields within the university’s botanical garden.
The botanical garden already hosts a diverse range of plant species and supports a rich butterfly population. The university is now expanding the initiative by planting additional larval host and nectar-producing plants to establish a dedicated butterfly park and sanctuary.
The VC said the project would also support bee conservation. “Nearly 70% of flowering plants and 30% of crop species depend on pollination for fruit and grain production. Conserving pollinators such as butterflies and bees is therefore critical for biodiversity and food security,” he added.
