The Beautiful Butterflies of Bangladesh
Butterflies are essential indicators of the health of the environment, and in the past decade or so a number of scientific inventories have been compiled, listing up to 500 species of butterflies in Bangladesh – although it is likely that there are far more in more remote areas which have not yet been documented. Butterflies fill an essential role as pollinators in food production, making them important to the country’s economy and to its citizens. They are vulnerable to changes in the climate, which can make a significant difference to their breeding patterns and habitat range each season. Because butterflies respond rapidly to even small changes in the environment, they can act as an early warning system for environmentalists and are carefully monitored around the world, including in Bangladesh.
Butterflies have been around for a very long time, with the earliest butterfly fossils reportedly dating back some 40-50 million years ago. They belong to the same insect order as moths, Lepidoptera, but are mainly active during the day. Their life cycle consists of four stages, being egg, larva, pupa and adult. Some species are considered to be pests as they damage crops or trees during their larval stage, but the majority of species are prized for their role as pollinators.
Open seven days of the week, all year around, the Butterfly Park in Chittagong offers a unique experience that appeals to all age-groups, with something for everyone. As the first, and only, tropical garden featuring live butterflies in Bangladesh, the Butterfly Park is home to literally thousands of butterflies in a large net-enclosed area, ensuring the safety of these colorful and delicate creatures, while allowing visitors to meander along pathways among them. Brightly colored, sweetly-scented flowers abound, providing the butterflies with the ideal habitat to thrive and reproduce.
In addition to the butterfly enclosure, the Butterfly Park has an artificial lake, waterfalls, parks equipped with rides for children and eco-friendly seating areas for visitors to relax and enjoy the tranquil, natural surroundings. The park also features a restaurant and a resort offering accommodation. Chittagong has many delightful attractions to enjoy, and the Butterfly Park is certainly worth adding to the list of places to see when exploring this vibrant city in Bangladesh.