Brahmavar: In a remarkable conservation initiative, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Zonal Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station in Brahmavar is turning into a thriving butterfly sanctuary. What began as a modest conservation effort has now evolved into a 30-acre butterfly park, recording 98 species in just one year. Spread over naturally grown forest within the Brahmavar Agricultural Research Station, the park was inaugurated during last year’s Krishi Mela and now serves as a living classroom for students, researchers, and nature enthusiasts.

A natural ecosystem nurtured

The park is the brainchild of Revanna Revannavar, professor of entomology at KVK Brahmavar, who has been instrumental in designing and developing the ecosystem. “I worked on butterfly park projects in Bengaluru and Mudigere. Here, with its natural vegetation, very little intervention is needed. In the past two to three years, we only created simple walking paths; the rest was left untouched. The forest itself is our butterfly garden,” he explained.

The initiative gained momentum when B Dhananjaya, senior scientist and head of KVK Brahmavar, lent his support. The team plans to enhance the visitor experience by adding benches, drinking water facilities, and more flowering plants while keeping the habitat intact.

Visitor engagement and learning

Visitors are encouraged to explore the ‘butterfly forest’, where informative display boards introduce 30 species along with their nectar and host plants. Agricultural research students from across India, including a recent batch from Anand, Gujarat, have visited to study biodiversity, while local schoolchildren frequently attend guided tours led by scientists. Revannavar noted that early mornings between 8 am and 11 am are ideal for “butterflying,” when the butterflies are most active.

Among the species spotted are the Southern Birdwing, Karnataka’s state butterfly that breeds on the medicinal Aristolochia indica, along with the blue mormon, red helen, jezebel, great orange tip, striped tiger, plain tiger, and several varieties of pansies and commanders.

Conservation and ecological balance

“The idea behind the park is to conserve biodiversity and reduce dependence on chemical pesticides. Natural gardens like these support beneficial insects, which in turn help agriculture. By protecting butterflies, we also maintain ecological balance,” said Revannavar.

The Brahmavar butterfly park has become a model for combining conservation, education, and sustainable agricultural practices. Scientists and students alike hope that similar initiatives can be replicated across Karnataka and India to safeguard pollinators and biodiversity.

As the park continues to expand and attract visitors, it stands as a testament to the power of simple conservation ideas backed by dedicated scientific support.