New bird, butterfly varieties identified in Salem Forest Ranges

Many new bird and butterfly species were recorded during the recently concluded bird and butterfly survey at Salem Forest Ranges. The survey was conducted between December 17 and 19 across nine ranges

Many new bird and butterfly species were recorded during the recently concluded bird and butterfly survey at Salem Forest Ranges.

The survey was conducted between December 17 and 19 across nine ranges, Shervarayan North, Shervarayan South, Yercaud, Danishpet, Mettur, Kalvarayan, Vazhapadi, Attur and Thammampatti. As many as 40 personnel from the Forest Department and 83 volunteers from Salem Nature Club took part in the survey.

Enthusiasts spotted Orange-breasted Green Pigeon for the first time in Salem ranges. According to Forest officials, the bird is found across tropical Asia South of the Himalaya, across parts of the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It feeds mainly on small fruits. They may be found in pairs or in small flocks, foraging quietly and moving slowly on trees. A team of college students, Suryaprahasan. R, Puliraja. N, Sivagnanam. R and Tamilliniyan. D, spotted the bird at the foothills of Shevaroy Hills in Danishpet Forest Range.