Butterflies in two Conservation Gradient Landscapes of Manas Biosphere Reserve, Assam, India.

A survey was conducted on the butterfly fauna in two distinct conservation gradient landscapes within the Manas Biosphere Reserve. A total of 250 butterfly species were documented, representing 140 genera distributed among six different families. Raimona National Park boasting the highest level of protection, it exhibited lower species richness, documenting 228 species in contrast to Chirang Reserve Forest, which recorded 243 species. Among the butterflies in both protected areas, the Nymphalidae family exhibited the highest number of genera, totaling 47, followed by Lycaenidae with 38 genera, Hesperiidae with 34 genera, Pieridae with 13 genera, Papilionidae with 7 genera, and Riodinidae with 2 genera. Remarkably, seven species fall within the categories of both Schedule-I and Schedule-IV, while an additional 41 species listed in Schedule-II are granted federal protection. Considering the situation, the government should seriously consider integrating the reserve into the national park. This move would significantly bolster the protection and preservation of the butterfly habitat and its diverse ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]