Butterflies are free

Butterflies are free
Bengaluru,







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It’s not just the owls, eagles and exotic birds that are of interest to nature lovers in the city. Bird watchers in the suburbs are now making room for a different kind of enthusiast, interested in the smaller, more colourful butterflies and insects.

“Butterflying” is a new hobby gaining popularity among Bengulureans who are making the most of the winged beauties found in Lalbagh and Cubbon Park, and the green campuses of the Indian Institute of Science and Bengaluru University, as well as in the nearby forests of Turahalli and Bannerghatta National Park.

Vivek Sarkar, a butterfly expert who says more and more youth are taking to the hobby, points out that the Garden City has a lot to offer them. “The largest butterfly in India, the Southern Birdwing, and the smallest, the Grass Jewel, are both easily found in the green gardens and parks around Bengaluru. Entomologists have already recorded close to 180 butterflies in and around the city, and the list is growing with every passing day,” he says.

While early days of butterfly watching were confined to collecting the butterflies and mounting them, today youth prefer to capture them on camera as a variety of them are now protected under wildlife laws.

So today “Butterfliers” can be spotted clicking the colourful creatures as they flit around flowers and green shrubs in grounds around the city. “Butterfly photography has been catching on among enthusiasts,” says Mr Sarkar.

The photographers have the approval of conservationists and wildlife officers, who would rather they spare these creatures for others to enjoy. “Those making paper weights using mounted butterflies are a threat to these species,” says chief conservator of forests (headquarters) Ravi Ralf, who advocates indulging in the hobby for the information and pleasure.

“A large number of butterflies can be spotted in and around Bengaluru. Every butterfly and small insect has a story to tell. What it requires is getting the information. Although the butterflies are seasonal creatures, they provide something to watch every time,” he explains. “Butterflying” can lead to an interest in other insects too, in his view.

But enthusiasts have already caught on that there is a wonderful world of small insects and creatures out there as well and have begun spending time watching and studying them at leisure.

“There are wasps, grasshoppers and spiders which the young find fascinating too,” says Mr Sarkar.