The story of butterfly gardens in Kerala starts with Dr. George Mathew, a former scientist at the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI). Recognizing their ecological importance, Dr. Mathew spearheaded the establishment of the first butterfly garden in Kerala, focusing on attracting butterflies through specific plant species.
The Kerala Forest Department, in collaboration with the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI), has undertaken the establishment and development of several butterfly gardens. These gardens serve as vital habitats for these delicate and fascinating creatures, contributing to their conservation, and promoting awareness about their importance in our ecosystem. The Butterfly Parks are located at various locations including Thenmala Ecotourism Centre in Kollam District.
The Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) has established butterfly gardens as a unique and engaging tool for nature education. These semi-natural havens act as magnets for butterflies, attracting a diverse array of species with carefully chosen food plants for both adults and their caterpillars. The gardens are meticulously designed to create various micro-habitats, catering to the specific needs of different butterfly groups.
KFRI manages two butterfly gardens of it’s own: one at their main campus in Peechi and another at the Sub-centre in Nilambur. Visitors to these gardens can witness a captivating display of butterflies, including the lemon butterfly, southern birdwing, common rose, light blue tiger, dark blue tiger, and common crow.
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Butterfly garden serves as a living laboratory, meticulously maintaining both larval and adult host plants. In those maintained by the Research Institutes, the researchers diligently collect daily data on butterfly visits and document the various life stages of numerous butterfly species. Additionally, current research explores the link between ambient temperature and butterfly activity, termed “thermal ecology studies.” The various gardens acts as a hub for both professional and amateur enthusiasts, offering opportunities for close observation of butterfly behaviour and insect photography.
Many of these gardens boasts a vibrant community of butterflies, including the lemon butterfly, the southern birdwing, the common rose, the light and dark blue tiger butterflies, and the common crow. To attract this diverse population, such gardens cultivate a variety of plants, categorized as forage and larval host plants. Forage plants, like Clerodendrum and Hibiscus, provide valuable food sources for adult butterflies, while larval host plants, such as Aristolochia and Asclepius, cater specifically to the needs of caterpillars.
This vibrant ecosystem becomes a captivating learning ground for visitors. Witnessing the numerous butterflies, including rare, endemic, and endangered ones, provides a firsthand experience. The educational programs associated with Butterfly parks go deep into the fascinating lives of these creatures, exploring their life history, co-evolution with other species, intricate ecological connections, diverse forms, and specific food requirements.
To attract butterflies, incorporating specific plants into the garden design is recommended by KFRI:
- Larval Host Plants: These plants provide essential nourishment for young caterpillars, including Citrus, Albizia, Cassia, Cinnamomum, Aristolochia, Milkweeds, Tylophora, Wattakakka, and Mussaenda.
- Nectar Plants: These vibrant flowers act as a food source for adult butterflies, with popular choices being Ixora, Lantana, Mussaenda, Marigold, Cuphea, Zinnia, and Clerodendron.
As the butterfly population flourishes, the garden attracts other organisms like praying mantises, spiders, lizards, and birds. This creates a balanced ecosystem where each species plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy environment.
As per reports, the KFRI have actively facilitated the establishment of butterfly gardens in 82 institutions, including schools, government offices, and even commercial establishments. Additionally, they offer educational programs for students and the general public, aiming to raise awareness about butterfly conservation. Through technical advice and guidance, KFRI empowers individuals and organisations to transform their own spaces into havens for these beautiful creatures.
Brochure on Butterfly Gardens http://docs.kfri.res.in/brochures/KFRI-Brochure-21.pdf
Government of Kerala
