Overview :
The Southern Birdwing, India's largest butterfly, was recorded for the first time in Telangana's Amrabad Tiger Reserve on 27 June 2026. The discovery expands the known range of this Western Ghats species and highlights the ecological importance of the Nallamala forests and ongoing biodiversity monitoring efforts in India.
A New Chapter for Telangana's Wildlife
Nature always has a way of surprising us.
Forest officials and researchers recently spotted the Southern Birdwing in Telangana's Amrabad Tiger Reserve. Until now, scientists had never officially recorded this butterfly in the state. That single sighting has added a fresh page to India's biodiversity story.
The discovery also reminds us that many forests still hold secrets waiting to be found.
Meet the Southern Birdwing
The Southern Birdwing carries the scientific name Troides minos .
It belongs to the Papilionidae family, better known as the swallowtail butterflies. Butterfly lovers often call it the Sahyadri Birdwing because it has lived mainly across the forests of the Western Ghats for centuries.
Its graceful flight and impressive size make it one of India's most admired butterflies.
India's Largest Butterfly
Few butterflies can match its size.
The Southern Birdwing holds the title of India's largest butterfly . Its broad wings display deep black colours with bright yellow markings that stand out against the green forest background.
Spotting one in the wild is a memorable experience because the butterfly glides through the forest with slow, elegant movements.
Home in the Western Ghats
Scientists have long linked the Southern Birdwing with the Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot.
Its natural range includes Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and parts of Maharashtra. These moist forests provide the plants and climate the butterfly needs to survive.
That is why the Telangana record surprised researchers. It suggests that suitable habitats may extend farther than earlier studies indicated.
Why the Telangana Record Matters
The sighting took place on 27 June 2026 inside Amrabad Tiger Reserve .
This marks the first documented record of the Southern Birdwing in Telangana.
Amrabad Tiger Reserve lies in the Nallamala Hills , which form part of the Eastern Ghats landscape across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Finding a species usually linked with the Western Ghats raises interesting questions about butterfly movement, habitat connectivity and long-term conservation.
Researchers may now conduct more surveys to understand whether a stable population exists in the region.
Karnataka's State Butterfly
The Southern Birdwing enjoys special recognition in Karnataka.
The state has declared it its State Butterfly because of its ecological value and close connection with the forests of the Western Ghats.
Its selection also helps create awareness about butterfly conservation and habitat protection.
Conservation Status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the Southern Birdwing as Least Concern .
That means scientists currently consider its population stable across its known range. Even so, healthy forests remain essential for its survival.
Habitat loss, forest degradation and climate change can affect butterfly populations over time. Protecting forests protects thousands of species that share the same ecosystem.
Why Butterflies Matter
Butterflies do much more than add colour to forests.
They help pollinate flowering plants. They also act as natural indicators of ecosystem health. When butterfly populations remain healthy, forests often remain healthy too.
Each new butterfly record gives scientists valuable information about biodiversity, habitat quality and environmental change.
Exam-Focused Points
- The Southern Birdwing (Troides minos) is India's largest butterfly .
- It belongs to the Papilionidae (swallowtail) butterfly family.
- It is endemic to South India and mainly occurs in the Western Ghats .
- Karnataka has declared it the State Butterfly .
- The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern (LC) .
- It was recorded for the first time in Telangana on 27 June 2026 .
- The sighting took place in Amrabad Tiger Reserve in the Nallamala Hills .
FAQs
1. What is the scientific name of the Southern Birdwing?
Its scientific name is Troides minos .
2. Why is the recent sighting important?
It marks the first documented record of the Southern Birdwing in Telangana.
3. Where was the butterfly recorded?
Researchers recorded it in Amrabad Tiger Reserve in the Nallamala Hills.
4. Which state has declared the Southern Birdwing as its State Butterfly?
Karnataka has designated it as its State Butterfly.
5. What is the IUCN status of the Southern Birdwing?
The butterfly is listed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List.