The butterfly effect

The tailed jay eclosion species can also be found at the centre. Pics/Raju Kasambe

When it comes to conservation of the environment and its animals, people often talk about the protection of lions, leopards, tigers and more. But we really need to take the concept of conservation to the insect-level," says Dr Raju Kasambe, assistant director of education at the Conservation Education Centre (CEC) of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS). In the spirit of Wildlife Week that kicks off tomorrow, the BNHS centre has organised a two-day curated butterfly festival at their 33-acre forest space in Goregaon. The centre, which is home to nearly 130 species of butterflies, is set to conduct this festival in-person after a hiatus due to the pandemic.

The black tawny rajah can also be spotted at the centre

"The festival is an idea to reach out to more people through participation. It will be an interactive concept, where people can not only see the butterflies but also participate in several activities. We're also organising events like drawing competitions and painting sessions for children that revolve around the butterfly theme," adds Kasambe.

Raju Kasambe

These activities are accompanied by a visit to the centre's butterfly garden which will entail activities like searching for caterpillars, identifying different species, learning a butterfly's life cycle and more. "We will also talk about simple ways the common man can help in the conservation and protection of butterflies. Avoiding the use of pesticides and insecticides and planting butterfly attracting plants are some simple steps that can be taken to do so," he says.

The idea is also to take the fear out of people of insects like caterpillars, he points out, and to educate both children and adults about their importance to the ecosystem and its balance. The event will follow all necessary social distancing measures, in light of the ongoing pandemic. "This time around our batch sizes are smaller to ensure the safety of everyone. Participants are urged to wear masks, carry sanitisers and follow social-distancing measures,"
concludes Kasambe.

On October 2 and 3, 7 am
Log on to @bnhscec_mumbai on Instagram to register
Cost Rs 200 per session

Other Wildlife Week events to check out

. iNaturewatch Foundation's plantation activity at Ambivali Biodiversity Park in Kalyan. ON October 3 Log on to @inaturewatch on Instagram

. Sanjay Gandhi National Park is curating events for the week including trails and walks. ON October 2 to 8 Log on to @sanjaygandhinationalpark on Instagram to register