25 species of medicinal plants are being overexploited, negatively impacting swallowtail butterflies.
Illegal cattle farming, agriculture, tea cultivation, tree felling, and pesticide use contribute to habitat decline.
Study Findings
The study documented a significant decline in swallowtail butterfly populations.
Three species are endemic to the region, and twelve are federally protected.
The studied landscape is crucial for supporting larval host plants, adult resources, and other factors.
Impact on Swallowtail Butterflies
The overexploitation of medicinal plants affects the availability of food sources for butterflies.
Two rare species, Bhutan glory and Kaiser-i-Hind, were not observed during the survey.
The decline of wild citrus plants due to habitat loss and overexploitation impacts Papilio butterflies.
Butterflies belonging to Atrophaneura, Pachliopta, Triodes, and Lamproptera genera have specialized diets and rely on specific plant families.
The lack of host plant resources raises concerns about the long-term survival of these butterflies.
Protecting forest habitats is crucial for the survival of swallowtail butterflies.
Sustainable use of medicinal plants is essential.
Conservation measures are necessary to address the decline of swallowtail butterflies and their habitat.
Swallowtail butterflies are large, colorful butterflies in the family Papilionidae, and include over 550 species.
Though the majority are tropical, members of the family inhabit every continent except Antarctica
They are named for the characteristic tail-like extensions of the hindwings, although many species are tailless
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