Butterfly Diversity in Tropical Moist Deciduous Sal (<I>Shorea robusta</I>) Forests of Dehra Dun Valley: the Lower Western Himalayas

Abstract

During a three year survey (July , 2000 - August , 2003) , 183 species of butterflies (representing 128 genera , 9 sub-families and 5 families) were recorded from 10 sites (4 km² each) in Dehra Dun valley which represents the tropical moist deciduous Sal , Shorea robusta forest (TMDSF) zone of the lower Western Himalayas. Amongst these 46 species recorded are new records for Dehra Dun valley. Twenty-six species found here have geographical distribution restricted to the Himalayas and mountains of North-East India and Myanmar in the Indian Sub-Continent. Twenty-five butterfly species of Dehra Dun valley are 'protected' under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. The species diversity of butterflies (July , 2000 - July , 2001) peaked in the valley during late April (spring) - early May (summer) which was a few weeks earlier than known to be in the hills (2000 m) of the Western Himalayas. This was followed by a slightly greater second peak during late October (post-monsoon) - early November (autumn) which was a few weeks later as known from the adjoining hills. Specific threats to butterfly habitats in TMDSF are discussed. A complete annotated list of 211 species recorded from the valley is also given.