Migrating butterflies take a fatal hit on Pamban bridge

But, one is not able to celebrate their arrival or enjoy their presence on the island as they die when hit by vehicles plying on the bridge. 

The Pamban island is one of the ecologically viable places in Tamil Nadu for different kinds of birds, such as peacocks too. The region can boast of having a rich diversity of winged species and this makes it one of the much sought after places in Ramanathapuram district. 

Environmentalists say that the butterflies visit the place when the monsoon winds change. Now, the south west monsoon season has ended and the winds which are blowing from south to north started have reversed their direction and this is also an indication that the north east monsoon season is about to commence. So the butterflies sensing the change have begun to migrate towards the Pamban island.  

Speaking to DT NEXT, Jeyakanthan, an environmental enthusiast from Rameswaram working as a school teacher, said that usually the butterflies start migrating only in middle of October but the season has already begun this year.  

The insects migrate from the nearby uninhabited islands such as Deepu Sagar island, Vaalai island, Kurusudai island, Pullivasal island and so on. This is because environmental conditions are similar on Pamban and these islands. But the sad part is, that we are not able to give them a bonhomie. Instead, we are subjecting them to great danger because of speeding vehicles, said Jeyakanthan. 

Hundreds of butterflies are often found dead on the bridge. Though nothing much can be done about the deaths, the Forest Department can place warning boards for drivers to maintain a particular speed on the bridge, opined Jeyakanthan. 

Speaking about the migration, Forest Ranger of Mandapam Forest Range, Sathish, said that the Crimson rose butterflies are seen in large numbers at Pamban region mainly because of the environment and the variety of trees. ‘Crown Flower Tree’ (Calotrophis gigantea) usually hosts a variety of insects and as the trees are found in large numbers in the Pamban region, butterflies are attracted to them.