Butterflies of the Rice Research Station and adjoining locality in Chinsurah, West Bengal, India

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Somnath Mandal
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9071-8371

Abstract

Chinsurah is a small town on the western bank of the Hugli River, a distributary of the river Ganges.  A survey from November 2006 to June 2014 with photographic documentation on the butterfly community in Chinsurah revealed the presence of a total of 70 species representing 53 genera in five families; most dominant family was the Nymphalidae having 34.3% of the total species.  Six species are legally protected; one species under Schedule I; three species under Schedule II; and two species under Schedule IV of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.  Rare species like Pareronia avator (Moore), Mahathala ameria (Hewitson) and Melanitis zitenius (Herbst) were recorded in this rapidly degrading habitat.  This study may help in planning conservation strategies in urban areas and sustainable development as well.

 

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Short Communications

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