Butterfly Field Day: Dash of colours as over 100 varied species spotted at RPCAU

Patna: In a unique display of biodiversity conservation efforts made by Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU), more than 100 species of eye-catching butterflies were spotted by the scientists and researchers on the occasion of Butterfly Field Day celebrations organised at the university’s newly established butterfly garden at Pusa on Friday.The day-long event was organised to raise awareness about the critical role of pollinators in agriculture and the environment. The university campus served as a backdrop for school students and researchers to observe these delicate insects in their natural habitat.Speaking on the occasion, RPCAU’s vice-chancellor P S Pandey said that the sighting of over 100 butterfly species is a profound validation of the university's ecological initiatives. The university aims to continue expanding its new biodiversity park to include more host plants and develop it into one of the premiere centers for nature conservation in the region, he said.Research director A K Singh pointed out that the documentation of such a high number of butterfly species is a positive indicator of the health of local ecosystem. “From a research standpoint, this butterfly garden serves as a vital living laboratory. We are now better positioned to study the breeding patterns and habitat requirements of various species, which will contribute significantly to our research on sustainable agricultural practices and climate change resilience," he said.RPCAU scientists said the butterfly garden is constructed amidst a mixed forest of Cadamba (Neolamarckia cadamba), Kassod Tree (Senna siamea), Earpod Acacia (Acacia auriculiformis), and Jungle Jalebi (Pithecellobium dulce) trees, creating a suitable habitat for butterflies. This Garden is also an “In-field laboratory” studying the relationships between butterfly species and their habitats, they added.