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Butterfly Abundance in Relation to Abiotic-biotic Factors of Forest Ecosystem of the Butterfly Research Park, Gazipur, Bangladesh

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

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

M. S. Islam
Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

N. Parven
Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The pattern of butterfly abundance, their diversity with abiotic (temperature, humidity, rainfall, photoperiod) and biotic (plants) factors were studied in the Butterfly Research Park (BRP) at Bhawal National Park, Gazipur, Bangladesh. Total 2393 individuals per day comprising 44 species under 32 genera belonging to the families Danaidae, Nymphalidae, Pieridae, Papilionidae, Lycaenidae, Hesperiidae and Satyridae were recorded from January to December, 2012. The butterflies were more abundant in the months of May, November, December; and least abundant in August and September respectively. Danaidae showed a highest abundance over the other families. Hesperiidae and Pieridae were very common; Nymphalidae and Papilionidae were common; and Lycaenidae and Satyridae were few in number respectively. Papilionids, Pierids and Nymphalids were found highest in May and June. Danaids, Satyrids and Hesperiids were peak in November and Lycaenids in April. Danaids and Papilionids were lowest in August; Hesperiids and Satyrids in March; Nymphalids, Pierids and Lycaenids were in September, October and December respectively.

Keywords: Butterfly, Species richness, Abiotic and Biotic factors.

Location: Bhawal National Park (BNP) in Gazipur,

Start Date: 00-01-2012

End Date: 00-12-2012

Program Area: Conservation and Biodiversity

Commodity: Insects

Objectives:

The present investigation was undertaken to determine the abundance of butterfly species and their diversity with abiotic factors viz., temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, sunlight intensity and biotic factors viz., flowering period of associated plants.

Methodology:

Study area: Butterfly Research Park (BRP) (24°5′44.98″N and90°24′14.4″E) is situated at the Bhawal National Park (BNP) in Gazipur, 40 kilometers north of Dhaka City, Bangladesh. It is aesthetically blended with introduced vegetations. Methodology: Sampling was made once a week during the study period. The total area was divided into four transects (73.15, 45.72, 68.58 and 44.20 meter respectively). Butterfly abundance was measured in four different sessions: First session (9.00am-9.30am), second session (11.00am-11.30am), third session (1.00pm-1.30pm) and fourth session (3.00-3.30) respectively. In each session, four transects were observed according to Hussain et al. (2008) and Robert (2001). The collected butterflies of different families were identified following Bashar et al. (2005), Kunte (2000), Gunathilagaraj et al. (1998), Smith (1993), Fres(1989), Roberts (2001) and Marsh and Geer (1992). The host plants, nectar plants and shelter plants of butterflies were identified following to Ahmed et al. (2009). Throughout the study period the abundance of the butterflies of different families was recorded according to the methods adopted by Bashar et al. (2005), Roberts (2001) and Marsh and Geer (1992). Abiotic factors viz., temperature and relative humidity were measured on the site with a Thermo-Hygrometer. The data on rainfall and photoperiod were taken from the Bangladesh Metrological Department and www.sunrise-and-suset.com, respectively.

Source of Information: Bangladesh J. Zool. 41(2): 247-255, 2013

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

It was observed that the diversity of different butterfly families has relation with abiotic factors and associated plants. Temperature ranging between 27ºC- 38ºC, relative humidity 60%-80%, optimum sunlight and flowering period of plants as well as presence of host and shelter plants influence the abundance of butterflies. Despite the presence of flowering period of nectar plants, host plants and shelter plants; low temperature, humidity, light intensity, photoperiod, cloudy and foggy weather create negative impact on butterfly abundance in BRP. The result will help to assess forest ecosystem, diversity and most importantly the possibility in establishing butterfly research park. The present endeavor may fulfill the demand of ecotourism industry development.

Knowledge Management: Journal