Butterfly/Medicinal Plant Gardens
A biodiversity garden has been set up in Delhi Public School (DPS), Yelahanka, using the
flagship image of butterflies. Mr. Narendra Kumar, Delhi Public School Chairman, formally
inaugurated the garden on 31st July 2004. On this occasion several live butterflies belonging
to 8 different species were released. ATREE has a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with
Delhi Public School to utilize this learning facility for its educational purposes. The
garden will also serve as a model garden to other schools. Those who are interested in
availing the garden facilities and its educational component are requested get in touch
with ATREE office. (Ph # 23530069/ 23533942)
The garden has primarily been designed for butterflies, but it also highlights other
biodiversity, such as ants, dung beetles, dragonflies, snails, birds etc. The garden has
outdoor educational signages that give information on these creatures. This garden is a
part of ATREE's butterfly outreach initiatives, which are supported by the Department
of Biotechnology, Government of India, in collaboration with Zoo Authority of Karnataka
& University of Agricultural Sciences. Important features of the garden include a Butterfly
Trail, an Interpretation Center, a Hanging bridge and an Observation point. An easy to use
field guide and map is also being designed, which will help children to explore the features
of the garden on their own and also identify butterflies found in the garden. The garden is
designed to harbor about 50 different butterfly species besides many other interesting
creatures, which often go unnoticed. The garden is set up with the intention of showing to
the children the intricate relationships that happen between organisms in their own
backyards.
ATREE is promoting the concept of butterflies as ‘Umbrella Species’ in urban areas. The aesthetic
appeal and ubiquitous presence of butterflies makes it a brand ambassador for the vanishing
denizens of life forms on earth. Butterflies are intimately connected with plants at all stages
of their life cycle and each butterfly is specifically related to its host plant. Without its
host plant on which it lays its eggs a butterfly cannot ensure the survival of the next
generation. Unfortunately urbanization has wiped away most butterfly habitats and their host
plants, and hence butterfly diversity is scarce in urban areas like Bangalore. However the
situation can be remedied to a certain extent by planting the host plant of butterflies seen
in an area, and thereby attracting them to your garden.
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