Journal of Research in Biology An International Scientific Research Journal

Butterfly fauna of Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Hospet, District, ,

Authors: ABSTRACT: Harisha MN and Hosetti BB*. Butterflies were enumerated during February 2010 to January 2012 using pollard walk method to assess the species diversity in the tropical thorn dry deciduous Institution: (Deccan Plateau) scrub jungle with granite boulder outcrop habitats of Daroji Sloth 1. Department of Post Bear Sanctuary, , Karnataka. This area, a total of 5,587.30 hectares is Graduate studies and research in Wildlife being proposed for the conservation of threatened species of Indian subcontinent the Management, Kuvempu Sloth bear, Melursus ursinus and announded as a Sanctuary. A total of 41 butterfly University, Jnana Sahyadri, species belonging to Hesperiidae, Papilionidae, Pieridae, Lycaenidae and Nymphalidae Shankaraghatta- 577451, families were recorded. Two species of butterflies recorded from this region have a Shimoga, Karnataka. protected status under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Habitat destruction in terms of mining activity can be a potential threat to this area and is suggested to be * Department of Post the reason for the reduction of species richness and abundance of butterflies in Graduate studies and impacted areas of the study site. This study provides support for long-term research in Applied Zoology, conservation of these fragmented scrub forest to ensure biodiversity protection. Kuvempu University, Jnana Sahyadri, Shankaraghatta- 577451, Shimoga, Karnataka.

Keywords: Corresponding author: Deccan Plateau, Hypolimnas misippus, Pachliopta hector, Hosetti BB. Lampides boeticus, Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972, Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary.