Urbanized ecosystem resilience through the flight of butterflies
N.L.Winarni, Widiyanti, Aslan, B.G.Anugra, Nuruliawati

Source: SEAMEO BIOTROP's Research Grant | 2021

Abstract:

With the increasing number of built-up areas in urban areas, including Jabodetabek, which reduces green open space, consequently will reduce the ecosystem services for the urban environment, such as decreased air quality, increased noise, temperature increases, and decreased recreation and cultural services. Meanwhile, the presence of butterflies which often show correlation with other taxa such as birds and their sensitivity to environmental changes makes butterfly a good indicator for ecosystem changes. This study aimed to describe the ecological resilience of Greater Jakarta through the butterfly community using a citizen science approach, the results of which can be used to evaluate the ecological network of butterfly distribution in urban environments. During March-November 2021, butterfly monitoring has been carried out in Jabodetabek with an online citizen science approach, the results of which can be seen in real time on the kupukita.org. The study managed to record as many as 50 species of butterflies consisting of 3 families, Nymphalidae, Papilionidae, and Pieridae. The most widely recorded species were Leptosia nina, Appias olferna, Eurema sp., and Hympolimnas bolina. Until November 2021, there were 140 people who had participated in independent butterfly monitoring which resulted in 564 data entries. A total of 50 types of butterflies are spread in 6 clusters based on their Encounter Rate which is also an illustration of the level of ecological response of the Jabodetabek butterflies. Cluster 1 is the species with the highest ER in all habitat types, cluster 2 is the species with a higher ER in green open spaces, cluster 3 is the species with the higher ER on roadsides, cluster 4 is the species with similar ER in four habitat types, cluster 5 is a rare roadside species but is still frequently found in the other three habitat types, and lastly, cluster 6 is the group with the rarest species. Overall, this study suggests that yards that offer food and host plants can support the urban habitat of butterflies in cities.


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