~ 58 ~ Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies 2014; 2 (5): 58-62 ISSN 2320-7078 JEZS 2014; 2 (5): 58-62 © 2014 JEZS Received: 25-07-2014 Accepted: 26-08-2014 Pawan Kumar Himalayan F orest Research Institute, Conifer campus, Panthaghati, Shimla-9, India Shweta Thakur Himalayan F orest Research Institute, Conifer campus, Panthaghati, Shimla-9, India Correspondence: Pawan Kumar Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Conifer campus, Panthaghati, Shimla-9, India Study on faunal diversity of butterflies in Triveni Mahadev (Himachal Pradesh) Pawan Kumar and Shweta Thakur Abstract In this study butterflies were used as a means of assessing biodiversity restoration at Triveni Mahadev area. Butterflies were used as indicator species because of their high sensitivity in ecosystem alteration. The study was done in three different areas, namely the dam site, diversion site and power house sites. Butterfly sweep nets and Butterfly traps baited were used for capturing butterflies. Besides, monitoring was also an indicator about the trend being followed by insects group as a whole. The diversity of butterflies was lowest at diversion site during monsoon season and highest during post monsoon season at power house site. In this study butterflies were used in assessing hydroelectric project sites recommended for aesthetic, education purposes and further studies on organisms. Biodiversity index of butterfly species has been updated from different hydroelectric project sites. The statistical data of seasonal abundance and diversity index of butterfly species have been discussed. Keywords: butterfly, diversity, seasonal abundance 1. Introduction Himachal Pradesh Power Cooperation is planning to set up Triveni Mahadev Hydro Electric Project in Kangra and Mandi districts of Himachal Pradesh across river Beas in Beri village. The focus on conservation of biodiversity has recently received attention. Various studies and protocols have been proposed to test the apropos patterns of biodiversity [3, 8, 17] . Earlier authors have classified a hierarchical composition of different level of organizations as well as groups of taxonomically related species to test the patterns of biodiversity conservation [13] . Certain insects were used to identify the state or changes in a landscape [4] . The use of indicator taxa in conservation efforts from pollution control to biodiversity has been the focus of attention [5] . Butterflies were found to be a potentially useful indicator of biodiversity, a significant predictor of the richness of birds, lichens and plants but not a good indicator of soil biodiversity. The main objective of the study was to assess biodiversity health of Triveni Mahadev by using butterflies as indicator species. In India two species of butterflies have shown change in their distribution range, recently. The Red Pierrot, Talicada nyseus nauseous (Lycaenidae) a species restricted to Peninsular India has now colonized the lower West Himalayan foothills and Shiwaliks in northern India [10] . While another species, the Brown Gorgon, Meandrusa lachinus (Fruhstorfer) Syn. M. gyas (Papilionidae), which had distribution restricted to north-east India and eastern Himalayas up to Sikkim has also now established itself in Kedarnath Musk Deer Reserve in Garhwal, the western Himalayas [13] . There is now ample evidence of the ecological impacts of recent climate change, from polar terrestrial to tropical marine environments. The responses of both flora and fauna span an array of ecosystems and organizational hierarchies, from the species to the community levels. Despite continued uncertainty as to community and ecosystem trajectories under global change, our review exposes a coherent pattern of ecological change across systems. Although we are only at an early stage in the projected trends of global warming, ecological responses to recent climate change are already clearly [14] . Diversity among the high-elevation-specialist butterflies is beginning to fall as temperatures become uncomfortably warm for them. As already stated butterflies are particularly sensitive to climate and are important bio-indicators of climate change. They are good biological indicators of environmental variation and are easily noticed as they are diurnal, flying around during sunshine, attractive, conspicuous; more easily identified group as compared to others; taxonomically track able with most species described and recognizable; have short generations and are widespread and diverse. They are also good biological indicators of environmental quality as they are sensitive and directly affected by any