Butterfly diversity in tropical moist deciduous sal (Shorea robusta) forests of Dehra Dun valley the lower western Himalayas

摘要

During a three year survey (July, 2000 - August, 2003), 183 species of butterflies (representing 128 genera, 9 sub-families and 5 families) were recorded from 10 sites (4 km~2 each) in Debra Dun valley which represents the tropical moist deciduous Sal, Shorea robusta forest (TMDSF) zone of the lower Western Himalayas. Amongst these 46 species recorded are new records for Dehra Dun valley. Twenty-six species found here have geographical distribution restricted to the Himalayas and mountains of North-East India and Myanmar in the Indian Sub-Continent. Twenty-five butterfly species of Dehra Dun valley are 'protected' under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. The species diversity of butterflies (July, 2000 - July, 2001) peaked in the valleyduring late April (spring) - early May (summer) which was a few weeks earlier than known to be in the hills (2000 m) of the Western Himalayas. This was followed by a slightly greater second peak during late October (post-monsoon) - early November (autumn) which was a few weeks later as known from the adjoining hills. Specific threats to butterfly habitats in TMDSF are discussed. A complete annotated list of 211 species recorded from the valley is also given