Diversity of butterflies in Ritchie's Archipelago, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Abstract

The Ritchie's Archipelago is a cluster of smaller islands and is situated 25-30 km east of Great Andaman. This study was conducted during 2008-2011, and line transect method was used to assess the population of butterflies. A total of 72 species belong to 5 families, and 48 genera were recorded during the study. The family Nymphalidae and Pyridae were found to be the dominant in Ritchie's archipelago. Highest number of species was recorded from Havelock followed by Neil Island. The diversity in different islands was ranged from 2.76 to 3.96. Statistically high similarity was observed between John Lawrence and Henry Lawrence. The detailed conservation measures are discussed in this chapter.