Dudhwa Tiger Reserve now home to 180 butterfly species

Dudhwa Tiger Reserve now hosts 180 butterfly species, indicating a healthier ecosystem, alongside 135 tigers, enhancing its biodiversity significance.

Published on: Jun 9, 2025, 05:24:05 IST

By Gaurav Saigal

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LUCKNOW: Known for being a habitat of big and powerful predators, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) also has a soft corner for delicate winged beauties, if the number of butterfly species found there is any indication.

“The butterfly species count has reached 180 here,” said wildlife biologist Vipin Saini, who compiled the data. India, overall, is home to 1,500 species of butterflies.

As per a survey done by teams from the University of Lucknow, the species count stands at over 110 in Dudhwa.

Butterflies, also known as bio-indicators, are extremely sensitive to climate change and prefer being in a healthy environment. An increase in their number and species is suggestive of better ecology at DTR, which ranked fourth in India for tiger count in the 2022 census. The Dudhwa national park, spread over 490.3 sq km, is home to 135 tigers out of the total 205 in Uttar Pradesh. DTR had a tiger population of 82 in the 2018 census.

“Migratory butterflies from Uttarakhand also add to UP’s butterfly population,” said Prof Amita Kanaujia of the department of zoology at the University of Lucknow.

The news of improving butterfly population at Dudhwa, which also has 450 species of birds, has sent ripples of excitement through the park administration and tourists. Initially, DTR was officially known for being home to only 45 butterfly species. This significant increase highlights the park’s rich and unique biodiversity, further cementing its reputation as a haven for wildlife.

Some species on the list are not common in the region. Their names include Common Mormon, Common Mine, Common Lime, Twany Coaster, Gaudy baron (rare), Striped tiger, Common Tiger (male and female), Grey count (rare), Commandor.

The study of new species will soon be published in journals, said Saini.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Gaurav Saigal
Gaurav Saigal has over two decades of experience in reporting on public policy, governance, politics, and social issues and extensively covers developments in Uttar Pradesh, including state politics, government policies, infrastructure, the economy, environmental issues, and public administration. He has worked across locations and worked with various media organisations. He has travelled across the state for news reporting. He produces fact-based, balanced, and insightful reports that explain the impact of policy decisions on citizens. He has reported on a wide range of significant stories, from legislative proceedings and elections to development projects, wildlife conservation, and governance reforms. His coverage reflects a strong understanding of regional affairs and a commitment to delivering accurate, timely, and well-researched journalism. His articles regularly provide readers with context and analysis on key issues shaping Uttar Pradesh and the nation. He is consistent in field reporting and in-depth coverage of public affairs. His journalism is characterised by clarity, credibility, and a focus on issues of public interest. His coverage reflects a strong understanding of regional affairs and a commitment to delivering accurate, timely, and well-researched journalism. His content is characterised by an emphasis on factual reporting, official data, and policy analysis, often explaining the impact of government decisions on citizens and institutions.Read More

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