Hyderabad:Butterflies have become harder to spot this season at the Butterfly Park in Nehru Zoological Park, as changing weather conditions are disrupting their life cycle. Irregular rainfall and harsh sunlight have affected flowering patterns and egg-laying, leading to fewer butterflies being seen across the five acre enclosure.“There should be sunlight, but not extreme. Rain is needed, but not heavy showers. That balance is missing this year,” said a zoo official. Without flowers, there’s no nectar, which means butterflies neither feed nor breed effectively. Currently, about 25 species can be seen, but only if one looks closely.To improve conditions, park staff have increased plantations of nectar-rich and host plants like curry leaves and lemon trees. Butterfly eggs are already visible on some plants. Each butterfly lays 25 to 35 eggs, and about 25 to 30 per cent survive the full cycle. Officials expect a rebound by September, with 50 to 60 species visible if the weather improves. A full recovery is likely by November.Speaking with Deccan Chronicle, Dr Chitra Shanker, principal scientist at ICAR-IIRR, an active member of Butterfly Conservation Society (BCS) said, “For a butterfly garden to be truly successful, two key things are needed: host plants where butterflies lay eggs and the caterpillars grow, and nectar or alkaloid sources that attract and provide sustenance for adult butterflies.”“But these plants also need the right conditions to thrive: proper sunlight, good rainfall, and favourable weather and absence of invasive plant species that can smother them. Without these conditions, even well-chosen plants cannot support a diverse butterfly population. This could possibly be the reason why only about 25 butterfly species are being spotted presently, even though the garden has the potential to host up to 60 or 80 species,” she added.Reflecting on her recent visit, she noted, “I was at the Butterfly Park just this Saturday. I did observe a high number of butterflies but the diversity seems to have dropped. Some butterflies are nectar feeders, others are attracted to alkaloids from overripe fruits and certain plants. I noticed the staff had even placed overripe fruits, which is a good step.”“Despite all these efforts, the climate plays a major role. If we had more regular and well distributed rains this season and well established host plants, we’d likely have seen at least 45 to 50 species by now.”Meanwhile, the Nocturnal Animal House has become a major attraction for the visitors at the zoo. Opened in 1987 by then chief minister N.T. Rama Rao, it remains Asia’s first nocturnal house. It features 16 species of night-active animals including wild cat, rusty spotted cat,asian palm civet, sugar glider, honey badger, porcupine, Fruit bats, eagle owl, mottled wood owl, barn owl, spotted owlet , Great Indian Horned owl, etc.The section recently got a makeover with new blue lighting to mimic moonlight and fresh paintings inside the enclosures to recreate a forest-at-night effect. “The lighting helps both animals and visitors feel like they’re in a real night-time habitat,” said the zoo official.
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