Community Composition and Dynamics of Butterflies in Different Microhabitats of Central Aravalli Hill Regions of Ajmer District, Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Aims: Butterflies are the symbol and target species for conservation in many parts of the world, and are key indicators of an environment's ecological status. The abundance, brief generation time, quick movement, and sensitivity to climatic changes of the butterfly fauna make it a significant predictor. It is crucial for effective and suitable butterfly protection to conduct research on biodiversity, ecology, and habitat suitability. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Ajmer City, Rajasthan, India. The four sites for butterfly collection were Open Land, Scrub Land, Aravalli Hills, and MDS University Campus to reflect the variety of environments in Ajmer. Scrub land makes up 1.5 km2, open ground 1.3 km2, the MDS University campus 0.5 km2, and the Aravalli hills 2 km2 of the 5.3 km2 research regions. Methodology: For butterfly studies, the Pollard walk technique was used, with 20 fixed transects placed stratified and randomly across four environments. Adult butterfly individuals were noted while walking at a slow, steady speed within a assumptive 5 m radius and Alpha and Beta diversity analysis was performed using PAST 4.06 and Microsoft Excel 2010 Results: During the study, 54 butterfly species from five groups were identified. The most diverse families were Nymphalidae and Pieridae, then Lycaenidae, Hesperiidae, Papilionidae. Conclusion: It is essential to track changes in the butterfly population as an indicator for climate and human impacts because they are sensitive to changes in their surroundings, they perform functions like pollinating various plant species. However, by planting appropriate trees, plants, and other vegetation that will support the organisms' continued health, we can at least try to lessen them. At a minimum, this attempt will prevent the common species from facing extinction.