Hyderabad: The rare Southern Birdwing, one of India’s largest butterflies, has been recorded in the Kollapur Range of the Amrabad Tiger Reserve, marking its first documented sighting in Telangana.The Southern Birdwing is primarily found in the Western Ghats and has only occasionally been recorded in parts of the Eastern Ghats. Its documentation in the Amrabad Tiger Reserve is considered significant for biodiversity conservation and scientific research in the state.The butterfly was recorded by Nilesh, forest section officer (FSO), and wildlife biologist Dr Ravikant. Dr Sunil S Hiremath, field director of the Amrabad Tiger Reserve, congratulated the team on the discovery.Officials said the first-ever record of the Southern Birdwing in Telangana underscores the ecological importance of the reserve and is expected to aid future scientific research and conservation efforts.Also known as the Sahyadri Birdwing, the butterfly is a large swallowtail species endemic to southern India and chiefly associated with the Western Ghats. With a wingspan of about 140-190 mm, it is among India’s largest butterflies and is Karnataka’s state butterfly.Males generally have black wings with greenish-blue markings, while females display more cream or yellow markings. The species inhabits forests, open woodlands and areas where its larval host plants grow.Adult butterflies feed on flower nectar, while the caterpillars depend on Aristolochia species, including Aristolochia indica. The species’ survival is closely linked to the availability of forest habitat and these host plants. Habitat disturbance and the loss of host plants can adversely affect its populations.
