Studies on Species Diversity, Abundance and Habitat Associations of Butterfly Species in and around the Steel City of Jamshedpur

Sushant Kumar Verma
Research Fellow, Ranchi University, Ranchi

Received: 27th December, 2008; Revised 5th February, 2009

Abstract : The steel city of Jamshedpur is located at 22.8° N 86.18° E in a hilly region and has an average elevation of 135 meters (442 ft). A comprehensive exercise has been done to know the current status of butterflies in this industrial township; set amidst scenic surroundings. The investigation on species diversity and abundance was carried out from June 2007 to May 2008 in three distinct habitat types viz.Jublee park, Dimna lake area and a Sal forest located towards north of the city. A total of 41 species involving 33 genera and 4 families were captured and identified. Of these, Nymphalidae and Pieridae were found to be the dominant families, in contrast to Lycaenidae and Papilionidae, which were scarce. The data gathered suggests that butterfly diversity and evenness is higher in Dimna Lake area verses Jubilee Park and Sal forest. The monthly diversity was calculated by using the Shannon-Weiner diversity index and the highest diversity was found in February and the lowest in September.

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