Evaluating Butterfly Species Richness, Abundance, and Habitat Preferences
To evaluate butterfly species richness, abundance, and habitat preferences across landscapes with varying habitats, and to study butterfly population structure and habitat associations in anthropogenically influenced landscapes in Wasgamuwa, Sri Lanka.
This ecological research project which was initiated in 2023, investigates butterfly diversity and abundance, in human disturbed habitats, including paddy fields, villages, and roadside in Wasgamuwa, Sulugune ,Kiulawadiya and Narangamuwa.
Given the ecological importance of butterflies as bioindicators of habitat integrity and their role as pollinators, the study addresses the conservation need to monitor insect biodiversity in rapidly changing agricultural environments.
The study recorded a total of 53 butterfly species, including 8 endemic species, across various habitats. Among the surveyed landscapes, paddy fields exhibited moderate richness but lower abundance. Roadside habitats displayed high diversity, indicating the importance of non-traditional spaces for butterfly populations.
Ecological insights from the study highlighted that habitat heterogeneity a mix of different habitat types supports a greater diversity of butterfly species. On the socio-environmental side, the project raised awareness among local farmers about the indirect effects of pesticides on beneficial insects such as butterflies.
For long-term sustainability the Project plans to expand the community awareness programs including the creation of a community-based butterfly monitoring network involving schools and eco-clubs, and the creation of butterfly gardens to support local populations.
The important findings showed flowering plant diversity is crucial for maintaining butterfly populations, presence of larval host plants is a major factor influencing butterfly richness, and active community involvement enhances both data quality and conservation outcomes.
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