Manipal: The Savitha Shastri Butterfly Park, situated in the premises of MGM College, Udupi, and inaugurated in December 2023, is now brimming with vibrant, fluttering butterflies. The park, spanning 15 cents of land, has become a sanctuary for over 32 different species of butterflies of various colours and sizes.
The butterfly park was developed in collaboration with MGM College and the Birding and Conservation Trust, under the guidance of Sammilana Shetty of Beluvai Butterfly Park. The park has various plant species that attract butterflies to the nectar-rich blossoms.
The park has 13 nectar-producing plants, including Blue Snakeweed, Hibiscus, Cigar Plant, Genie, Wild Coffee, and Firecracker Flower. Additionally, there are 30 host plants such as Betel Leaf, Mussaenda, Rangoon Creeper, Tinospora, Nag Champa, and Sand Paper Vine thriving in the park.
A Memorial for a Loved One
The butterfly park was established with a touching story behind it. Dr. Prabhakar Sastri, the Director of Isa Technologies, donated Rs 1 lakh to MGM College for constructing the park in memory of his late wife, Savita Sastri. The park is named after her as a tribute to his heartfelt contribution – Savita Sastri Butterfly Park.
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Photo Credit: Astro Mohan
In addition to butterflies, the park has become a refuge for various other creatures as well. During a survey conducted by experts from the college’s Zoology Department and Nihal, an MBA expert, in collaboration with the Manipal Birds Club led by Tejasvi S. Acharya, the park was found to be home to insects like dragonflies, sunbirds, and honey bees.
Photo Credit: Astro Mohan
The study on the butterflies revealed details about their size, wing patterns, colours, and lifestyle, showcasing the diverse species that inhabit the park. These species, from families like Papilionidae, Nymphalidae, Pieridae, Lycaenidae, and Hesperiidae, reflect the park’s role in maintaining ecological balance.
Photo Credit: Astro Mohan
Butterflies play a crucial role in pollination and the food chain within the ecosystem. The co-evolutionary relationship between butterflies and plants enables butterflies to assist in pollination by transferring pollen from one plant to another. This process aids in maintaining biodiversity. Sensitive to environmental changes, butterflies serve as indicators of global warming, rainfall deficiency, and natural disasters.
With the growing use of pesticides and insecticides threatening various species, butterfly parks are essential for preserving these delicate creatures. Furthermore, these parks offer educational insights for students into the beauty and importance of insects, said Yasashwini B., a lecturer at the Zoology Department of MGM College.
Photo Credit: Astro Mohan
The park is managed by students from the college’s Eco Club and the Zoology Department. They assist in leveling the land, planting, and applying fertilizers. Currently, Tejasvi S. Acharya from the Manipal Birds Club and the Zoology Department’s staff supervise the upkeep of the park.
“The planting of butterfly-attracting species was done in consultation with experts, ensuring the presence of a healthy butterfly population in the park today,” said Dr. Manitha T.K., head of the Zoology Department.
Translated version of Kannada article by Divya Naikanakatte
Photo credits: Astro Mohan 