Check List 8(3): 432-436, 2012 © 2012 Check List and Authors Chec List ISSN 1809-127X (available at www.checklist.org.br) Journal of species lists and distribution PECIES S OF Sanctuary,Variation in Tripura, butterfly northeast diversity India and unique species ISTS L richness along different habitats in Trishna Wildlife * Joydeb Majumder, Rahul Lodh and B. K. Agarwala [email protected] Tripura University, Department of Zoology, Ecology and Biodiversity Laboratories, Suryamaninagar – 799 022, Tripura, India. * Corresponding author. E-mail: Abstract: Quantification of butterfly diversity and species richness is of prime importance for evaluating the status of protected areas. Permanent line transect counts were used to record species richness and abundance of butterfly communities of different habitat types in Trishna wildlife sanctuary. A total of 1005 individuals representing 59 species in 48 genera belonging to five families were recorded in the present study. Of these, 23 species belonged to the family Nymphalidae and accounted for 38.98% of the total species and 45.20% of the total number of individuals. Mature secondary mixed moist deciduous forest showed the maximum diversity and species richness, while exotic grassland showed minimum diversity and species richness. Out of 59 species, 31 are new records for Tripura state, while 21 are unique species and nine are listed in the threatened category. This study revealed that mature secondary forests are more important for butterfly communities, while exotic grasslands have a negative impact on species composition. Introduction state of Tripura (10,490 sq km), in northeastern India In the humid tropics, due to deforestation of primary (Mandal et al. 2002; Agarwala et al. 2010; Majumder et forests, secondary forests and plantations are becoming al. 2011). Among other northeastern states, 104 species from Meghalaya (22429 sq. km), 695 species from Sikkim et al. 2007). Despite their quick (7096 sq. km), 333 species from Nagaland (16579 sq. km), increasingly widespread land-use systems in human 96 species from Mizoram (21081 sq. km), 134 species dominated areas (Barlow from Arunachal Pradesh (83743 sq. km) and 962 species remainexpansion poorly and understoodpotential importance,(Hartley 2002; the Dunnbiodiversity 2004), conservation values of secondary and plantation forests Haribalof butterflies 1992; Guptafrom 2006;Assam Gupta (78438 and sq.Maulik km) 2006; have Guptabeen appearedespecially into relationbe one toof butterflythe most diversity. important Along parameters with the andrecorded Majumder (Evans 2006; 1932; Ghosh Talbot and 1939; Majumder Wynter-Blyth 2007; Gupta1957; availability of larval and adult food plants, habitat quality et al. 2008). At the et al et time of this study, 22 common species were known from althat. 1990; is used Lawton to determine et al butterfly community structure andthis sanctuaryMaulik 2007; (Roy Gupta Choudhury 2007; etBorang al. 2011) without regard (Barlow . 2007). However, several studies (Bowman to their abundances, community structure and habitat . 1998; Ramos 2000) have discussed preferences. In this study, an attempt has been made to the potential of butterfly diversity in secondary forests, understood.but diversity and species richness of butterflies across different secondary vegetation gradients were poorly fourestimate different the secondarydiversity andhabitat unique types. species richness of ecological studies of landscapes (Thomas and Malorie butterflies inhabiting the Trishna wildlife sanctuary along Among insects‚ butterflies are ideal subject for Materials and Methods Study site 1985), and their value as indicators of biotope quality is The present study was conducted in Trishna wildlife being increasingly recognized because of their sensitivity ato pollinating minor changes agent) contributein micro-habitat, to the growth, in particular, maintenance light levels (Kremen 1992). To a large extent, butterflies (being threesanctuary, sides. (TWS). Geographically TWS is located it lies in betweenthe south 23°26.137’ district of N,Tripura 91°28.184’ state (FigureE with 1),an andaltitudinal encircled gradient by Bangladesh of 31–82 onm and expansionet al. of 2010). flora in the tropical regions where 2. theseThe insects northeastern show high region abundance of India and is specieshome todiversity a rich (Bonebrake above sea level. The total sanctuary area is 194.71 km richness (Alfred et al. 2002; Majumder et al. 2011), and The vegetation types of the sanctuary are classified mainly diversity of butterflies and other insects, due to vegetative woodland.into: tropical Trishna semi-evergreen sanctuary forest, is known East Himalayan to contain lower 230 hotspots (Myers et al. treeBhabar species, Sal, moist 110 species mixed deciduousof shrubs, 400forest, species and savannahof herbs, isit isunder also globallythreat recognizeddue to deforestation as one of 25 andbiodiversity habitat 2000). Nonetheless, its biodiversity and 150 species of climbers (Economic review of Tripura, modification. A perusal of the literature suggests that 76 2008-2009). The sanctuary has several perennial water species of butterflies were previously recorded from the rivulets. The area has a tropical climate, with cold weather 432 Majumder et al. | Butterflies of Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, India was used for data analysis. from November through February. Annual average rainfall Results and Discussion is 255.89 mm. TemperaturesBos garus vary fromSmith) 6.8°C and in Januarymigratory to water37.7°C birdsin June. in Thewinter sanctuary among ismany well-known other wild for itsanimals. Asian population of Bison ( familiesDuring were the systematicrecorded survey,from the a total four of habitat1005 individuals types at operation Agency (JICA). of 59 species of butterfly belonging to 48 genera and five The present study is funded by Japan International Co- study compared suitably with the 72 species recorded Sampling regime TWS (Table 2, 4). The 59 species recorded in the present 2000) that showed more or less similarity in habitats and climaticin another conditions. study of Among northeast the families, India (Ali Nymphalidae and Basistha was Field surveying of butterfly fauna was conducted from dominant with 23 species followed by the Lycaenidae (13 May 2010 to October 2010, following Modified Pollard species), Papilionidae (8 species), Hesperiidae (8 species) Walk Method (MPWM) (Pollard 1977) in four distinct and Pieridae (7 species) (Table 2). Members of the habitats of TWS. Four Permanent Line Transects (PLTs) Nymphalidae were always dominant in the tropical region (approx. 1 km long and 5 m wide) were laid based on because most of the species are polyphagous in nature, floral composition in the four habitat types, namely: mature secondary mixed moist deciduous forest (TWS I); regenerated secondary mixed moist deciduous forest consequently helping them to live in all the habitats. species(TWS II); ( Pennisetumsecondary mixedpurpureum moist deciduous forest with Additionally, many species of this family are strong, activeet (Tablebamboo 1). patchesThe degree (TWS of anthropogenic III) and a grassland pressure isof distinct exotic al.fliers 2007; that Raut might and help Pendharkar them in 2010;searching Padhye for etresources al. 2006). in Schumach) (TWS IV) largeA areashigh (Eswaranproportion and of Pramod nymphalid 2005; speciesKrishna Kumarindicates counted during sunny days at a constant speed in each high host plant richness in the Trishna sanctuary area. among the four habitats in the study area. Butterflies were Notwithstanding, all the recorded species are widely thetransect same from spatial 8 am scale to 12 in am each local of timethe fourfor four sampling consecutive sites. Troides helena L. is listed as an endangered species in days. This was repeated at 30 day intervals, maintaining distributed in India (Wynter-Blyth 1957) and only Collected butterflies were identified using field guides collected(Haribal 1992; specimens Kunte are 2000; maintained Kehimkar in 2008), the Department and followed of the classification given by Ackery (1984). Vouchers of DataZoology, Analysis Tripura University. The Shannon diversity index was applied to estimate butterfly species diversity along the habitats (Shannon equation Hs pi In pi pi is the proportion of and Wiener 1949). Thisi thindex species was and calculated ‘In’ denotes by the natural logarithm. = -∑ Species. Where, dominance across habitats individuals found in the ofwas more estimated common by species Simpson’s in a communitydominance orindex an area (Simpson by the 1949). This index was useds to determine the proportion following formula Ds = i=1 [ni (ni ni is the population density of the ith species, and N is the total population density of all∑ component-1)]/[N species (N-1)] in where, each site. different forest habitats was estimated using single linkage Comparisons of butterfly species composition between et al. 1997) Figure 1. cluster analysis based on Bray-Curtis similarity (McAleece Location map of Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary. 1998).Table 1. Biodiversity Pro version 2 (Lambshead STUDY Characteristics GEOGRAPHICAL of the four habitatALTITUDE types (M) at Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary. HABITAT TYPE AND DOMINANT PLANT SITES POSITION ABOVE SEA LEVEL 23016’41.23’’ N Shorea robusta Roth, 41 m 91024’08.4’’ E Dipterocarpus turbinatus C.F.Gaertn, and Terminalia belliraca Mature secondary mixed moist deciduous forest dominated by TWLS I 23015’01.17’’ N Toona ciliate M. Roem., 31 m (Gaertn.)