JOIN USConserve all forms of endangered species, says Zoo executive director
He was speaking at the valedictory of a two-day national conference on ‘Scientific documentation of life of butterflies: Need, process and importance’ organised by St Philomena’s College here on Sunday.
Pointing out the need to conserve butterflies for posterity, Markandaiah said they are a flagship species with an aesthetic appeal and ecological importance.
With 15,000 butterfly species in the world and 1,500 species in India, he said that one-third of them are endangered.
While butterflies are critical biological indicators, he mentioned that the future of the winged species is under threat.
He said that earlier, they were visible in home gardens, but now they are disappearing from backyards also.
Second largest pollinators
Being the second largest pollinators, next only to honey bees, butterflies are becoming extinct due to the loss of habitat, use of pesticide, smuggling, degradation of forest and increasing concrete jungles, he said.
Markandaiah said, “It is high time we create awareness on the conservation of butterflies and their role in the ecosystem.” There is an enormous concreted effort required for their protection, he added.
Commenting on the importance of Bannerghatta Biological Park, he said that it is the biggest in South East Asia.
Furthermore, it is unique because it provides an integrated approach towards the conservation and protection of butterflies.
He also disclosed that nearly 20 species are being bred at Bannerghatta. They serve as a potential means of preserving endangered species, he mentioned on the occasion.
Earlier, in the morning the students went around Mysore on a field trip to identify butterflies. They were taken to Chamundi Hills and from there they were taken to Rajivnagar to help students learn about the importance of butterflies. Later, they also visited the Karanji lake. Students from Bangalore and Puttur presented papers on the butterflies identified by them during their research.
Retired Professor of Zoology, University of Mysore, Prof H B Devaraj Sarkar, St Philomena’s Degree College Fr Leslie Moras were also present.