BUTTERFLIES AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION IN AGRO-FORESTRY

Butterflies are essential to the agro-forestry ecosystem, and their lives are intertwined with those of plants due to their co-evolution. Agroforestry contributes significantly to sustainable development, biodiversity maintenance, and food security. In fragmented agricultural landscapes, agroforestry activities may offer a habitat for forest butterflies and aid in their protection. Butterflies are the ecosystems natural indicators as well as great pollinators. Some butterfly species travel great distances and transport pollen to plants located distantly from one another. Pollen migration causes genetic variation in plant species, improving their chances of surviving certain biotic and abiotic stresses. These insects also work as biological pest management tools and act as food for other creatures including birds, reptiles, and amphibians. However, because of the non-availability of suitable host plants, indiscriminate pesticide use, and a lack of knowledge about the value of these flying gems, the population of these insects is declining quickly. Agroforestry ecosystems provide suitable habitat for butterfly conservation in turn, agroforestry cultivation can be greatly benefitted from beneficial insects such as butterflies in multifaceted ways, including pollination benefits, aesthetic value, and attraction spots as butterfly parks. Therefore, in this review we have attempted to discuss comprehensive role of butterflies in agroforestry system.