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Biodiversity Maintenance and Conservation of Butterfly Plant Association in Some Forests of Bangladesh

M. A. Bashar
Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh.

M. A. Mamun
Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

A. F. M. Aslam
Department of Zoology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

A. K. Chowdhury
Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The abundance of the wild and semi-wild plants, e.g. herbs, shrubs, grasses, vines, climbers, trees in the forests of Chittagong and Cox's Bazar was recorded throughout the year during 1999-2000. It was found that out of 85 plant families 57 were with only one or two species per family. The rests showed less than 10 species and only one or two were with more than 11 species per family. Papilionidae, Pieridae, Danaidae and Nymphalidae were at the peak of their populations in the months of March-June. But, Satyridae had its highest abundance in November, December and January; Hesperiidae and Lycaenidae were linearly abundant throughout the year. Karerhat, Mirersarai and Chunati had similar pattern of population distribution. But, Fashiakhali and Eidgaon had different pattern of population abundance. Not the seasonal variation but plant phenology and species richness could be the factors for the appearance of such kind of abundance. Some butterfly families were related with some specific plant families in the forests. Papilionidae was associated with 10 plant families, Pieridae with 10, Nymphalidae with 12, Danaidae with six, Satyridae with three, Lycinidae with 16, and Hesperiidae with 20 plant families in the forests.

Keywords: Biodiversity, Forest area, Butterfly-plant association, Population abundance, Phenology

Location: Sylhet and Chittagong district, Bangladesh.

Start Date: 00-00-1999

End Date: 00-00-2000

Program Area: Conservation and Biodiversity

Commodity: Tree

Objectives:

Following three topics are main object: First, the abundance and diversity of butterfly species in relation to the plant species richness and wilderness in some forest areas (study areas) of Bangladesh. Second, the determination and identification of butterfly-plant association under some headings of interaction between the two biotic aspects (butterflies and related plants). Third, the role of butterflies in the plant species richness and diversity in the study area (forests).

Methodology:

The "Environmental biology and Biodiversity Lab" of the Dhaka University, Zoology Department, has undertaken a research programme on 'Bioresource Conservation and Management' to carry out in the forest ecosystems. The present paper is a part of the programme and deals with 'Butterfly-plant association and its role in the forest biodiversity conservation. The selected forest areas are located along the eastern side of Bangladesh in the districts of Sylhet and Chittagong. From Chittagong forest zone five sites have been identified for conducting the study. We have made an over all survey and record on the plants available and found associated with the interacting butterflies in the experimental stations. The present work was carried out in different stations. Methodology adopted for conducting the present work has been tabulated under six major steps. The steps are stated below. a. The collection of butterfly and survey of butterfly-plant distribution were followed. b. Data-recording on 'herbs, shrubs, grasses, vines climbers and trees with flowering in the forests' was made. Butterfly and associated plant families with their range of species number available throughout the year in the study areas. c. 'Abundance of butterflies throughout the year was analyzed as per the reference of their families in experimental forests. d. The experimental forest-stations and the abundance of butterfly populations (of all families) throughout the year were studied. e. Plant-butterfly association was analysed under the nine major headings of activities of the interacting butterflies. To examine the interface of biodiversity richness both plants and butterfly were made.

Source of Information: Bangladesh J. Zool. 34(1): 55-67, 2006

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

In the present investigation massive record was maintained on 249 species of plants and 167 species of butterflies. Further investigation on species to species association and interaction will produce much more advancement in the field of plant diversity for butterfly species richness and butterfly diversity for plant species richness. It was found that out of 85 plant families 57 were with only one or two species per family. The rests showed less than 10 species and only one or two were with more than 11 species per family. Papilionidae, Pieridae, Danaidae and Nymphalidae were at the peak of their populations in the months of March-June. But, Satyridae had its highest abundance in November, December and January; Hesperiidae and Lycaenidae were linearly abundant throughout the year. Karerhat, Mirersarai and Chunati had similar pattern of population distribution. But, Fashiakhali and Eidgaon had different pattern of population abundance. Not the seasonal variation but plant phenology and species richness could be the factors for the appearance of such kind of abundance. Some butterfly families were related with some specific plant families in the forests. Papilionidae was associated with 10 plant families, Pieridae with 10, Nymphalidae with 12, Danaidae with six, Satyridae with three, Lycinidae with 16, and Hesperiidae with 20 plant families in the forests.

Knowledge Management: Journal