Eastern Ghats Meet Location : Background Information

Andhra Pradesh

The state of Andhra Pradesh occupies a very pivotal place in the eastern plank of Southern Peninsula. The vegetation profile is varied. The presence of Eastern Ghats comprising of an assemblage of discontinued hill ranges and valleys originating in Orissa state and passing the state upto Nilgiris of Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu where it joins there with its rich but unexplored faunal and floral biodiversity.

The tropical region in the state has resulted in varied habitats which include

(a) Tropical evergreen forests

(b) Semi evergreen forests

(c) Moist deciduous forests

(d) Tropical dry deciduous forests (of both teak and non-teak bearing ones)

(e) Mixed dry deciduous forests

(f) Savannah and scrub forests

(g) Wetlands

The most prominent densely forested ranges of Eastern Ghats include Nallmalai hills, Araku hills along with their valleys, Papikonda hills, Seshachalam hills and Tirupathi sporting rich biodiversity in flora and fauna.

The state boast many wildlife sanctuaries including Kawal wildlife sanctuary, Gundla Brahmeswara sanctuary, Nagarjuna-Srisailam Tiger sanctuary, Kinnersani sanctuary, Papikonda sanctuary, Etturnagaram-Pakhal sanctuary, not to mention many deer parks around the city of Hyderabad which are noted to sustain large populations of uncommon and rare butterflies in their varied habitats.

Butterfly India Meet 2007

Butterfly Conservation Society (BCS) is privileged to organize a Butterfly Meet for the first time in Andhra Pradesh from 16^th to 19^th August 2007.. About 30 butterfly experts are expected to participate in this meet. The delegates will survey different locations in Maredumilli for three days. BCS will come out with a checklist of butterflies in these three days, which will be useful for further studies and discoveries. The meet will also include presentations and lectures by Resource persons. Participants can present any research papers or field experience during the meet. (LCD projector would be available at the camp site. Prior intimation is required to avail this facility)

About Maredumilli and butterflies

Maredumilli, a part of the Eastern Ghats landscape, is the camp site for our Eastern Ghats meet in 2007. It forms a canopy that even prevents sunrays from entering the ground. The semi evergreen forests with undulating terrain of Maredumilli are bestowed with rich biodiversity. The area enjoys several streams and rivulets, rich in medicinal plants making the place suitable for butterflies and other insects.

Maredumilli provides an excellent opportunity to explore for biodiversity of Eastern Ghats. Apart from variety of animals and plants, one can see many butterflies throughout the year. Other than commonly seen butterflies one can see Grey Count, Oakleaf, Blue Mormon and many more…..

The participants should meet at Rajahmundry railway station at 6.00 am on 16 August 2007. Transportation will be arranged from Rajahmundry to Camp site (Maredumilli) and back to Rajahmundry. The programme starts at Maredumilli from 2.00 pm on 16 August 2007.

Venue details

Maredumilli is about 70 Kms from Rajahmundry. Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation run regular buses from Rajahmundry bus station to Maredumilli. The Bus station is located near the Railway station. Rajahmundry also has regular flights from Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam.