The Forest Department would only estimate the population of large mammals. Enthusiasts from the Wynter Blyth Association were roped in to count the different species of butterflies inhabiting the Gudalur region. Among the 56 different species of butterflies that were spotted during the exercise were “rarities” such as the Pygmy scrub hopper (Aeromachus pygmaeus), Hampson’s hedge hopper (Baracus hampsoni), Medus brown (Orsotriaena medus), the commander (Moduza procris) and the peacock royal (Tajuria cippus). Manoj Sethumadhavan, a trustee from the Wynter Blyth Association, said they had also noted the migration of the common emigrant (Catopsilia Pomona), while they were undertaking the census.
