India’s First Park Hosting a Unique Butterfly Species
Udaipur, June 23: The city of lakes, known for its natural beauty, is set to receive a unique Butterfly Park today. This park’s distinguishing feature is the presence of a special butterfly species that can only be found here in the entire country, making it a must-visit for butterfly enthusiasts worldwide.
Inauguration Details
Deputy Forest Conservator Ajay Chittora announced that the inauguration ceremony, scheduled for Monday evening, will be graced by the Chief Guest, Honorable Governor of Assam, Gulab Chand Kataria, and presided over by the Minister of Forest, Environment, and Climate Change, Sanjay Sharma. The Butterfly Park, established at a cost of 5 million INR, spans 5 hectares in the Amberi area and promises to be a unique gift to the residents of Lake City and tourists from around the globe.
Zebra Skipper: The Park’s Unique Attraction
Mukesh Panwar, a butterfly expert from Sagwara, Dungarpur district, who played a significant role in the park’s development, highlighted that the park’s special feature is the Zebra Skipper butterfly, scientifically known as Ernsta zebra. Panwar’s research on the life cycle of this butterfly – including egg, larva, pupa, and nectar plants – was first published in the journal Bionot in December 2023.
The Zebra Skipper lays its eggs on the plant Melhania futteyporensis, a species listed as endangered. The presence of this plant within the park is a notable aspect that supports the butterfly’s lifecycle.
Discovery and Significance
Panwar discovered this butterfly species in India in 2020 in Sagwara, Dungarpur district. Initially classified under the genus Spialia as Spialia zebra, this butterfly has been observed in the park from August to December. Thus, this Butterfly Park will be India’s first where the presence of the Zebra Skipper can be consistently observed.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
