First record of Kallima horsfieldii (Sahyadri blue oakleaf) in a college campus in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra: Implications for urban biodiversity conservation

Abstract This paper reports the first sighting of Kallima horsfieldii butterfly on a college campus in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra. The butterfly is endemic to the Western Ghats and belongs to the family Nymphalidae. The butterfly is protected under Schedule II of India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The species is known to depend on specific larval host plants, which include Pseuderanthemum malabaricum, Strobilanthes callosus and Lepidagathis cuspidata. These plants belong to the Acanthaceae family and serve as essential nourishment for the caterpillars of this species. Notably, despite the scarce vegetation and the absence of host plants, the butterfly was observed utilizing microhabitats on a college campus. Such observations underscore the species' adaptability to urban settings where plant growth is severely constrained. K. horsfieldii, a sensitive bioindicator species, points to the ecological potential of fragmented urban green spaces in supporting biodiversity. This observation draws critical attention to the need for protecting microhabitats within urban settings. E.g. academic campuses can host biodiversity reserves through continuous monitoring along with community engagement. The paper also suggests the reintroduction of native vegetation in the framework of urban development to improve ecosystem resilience. Thus, by promoting the growth of native plants, urban planners can create a favourable environment to support not only K. horsfieldii but also a variety of other species.