Banded Royal Butterfly Discovered in Tripura
The Banded Royal butterfly (Rachana jalindra indra) has recently been discovered in Tripura, marking a significant milestone in the state’s biodiversity documentation. This rare species was spotted for the first time in the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, an area rich in flora and fauna. The discovery underscores the importance of ongoing ecological research and wildlife protection in the region. The Banded Royal butterfly, known for its unique appearance, is now officially documented in the peer-reviewed journal Munis Entomology & Zoology.
Summary/Static | Details |
Why in the news? | Banded Royal Butterfly Discovered in Tripura |
Discovery | Banded Royal butterfly (Rachana jalindra indra) discovered in Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, Tripura. |
First Sighting | May 5, 2021, during an opportunistic survey in Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary. |
Legal Protection | Protected under Schedule II of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. |
Butterfly Appearance | – Males: Deep purple/blue sheen with brown borders. – Females: Brownish with white markings. – Underside: Pale brown with white bands. |
Habitat | Dense vegetation, found in forests of South and Southeast Asia (Western Ghats, Northeast India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia). |
Subspecies in India | R. j. indra (Assam, Meghalaya, Jharkhand), R. j. macantia (Southwest India), R. j. tarpina (Andamans). |
Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary (SWL) | Located 25 km from Agartala, Tripura; covers 18.53 sq.km. |
Flora in SWL | 456 plant species, bamboo, grasses, and medicinal plants. |
Fauna in SWL | Rhesus macaques, Spectacled langurs, leopards, clouded leopards, wild pigs, crab-eating mongoose (revived). |
Significance of Discovery | Highlights the biodiversity of Tripura and the need for continued ecological research and species conservation. |
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