HOW IS CORONAVIRUS AFFECTING THE ENVIRONMENT?
BECAUSE IT MATTERS
CEYLON ROSE
2/21/21
Image courtesy of Nayana Wijetilaka
Ceylon Rose
The Ceylon Rose butterfly, can only be found in the south-western tropical rain forests of Sri Lanka. Ceylon roses fly low in the morning and high in the afternoon. They most likely lay their yellow-brown eggs underneath the Aristolochiaceae’s leaves. These eggs will hatch into purple-black caterpillars. They are not found in many areas, although they are pretty numerous in the areas they are found in.
Why Are They Endangered?
The Ceylon rose is critically endangered mainly because of habitat destruction. As the population of humans expands, the dense forests where this butterfly lives have been destroyed for both timber and agriculture. The Sinharaja Forest Reserve has been declared a reserve, creating a stronghold for this butterfly, although illegal logging has already taken its toll on this forest and only half of the forest is undisturbed. Many other reserves that have been created are not in the area where this butterfly is not found.
Image courtesy of the Swallowtail and Birdwing Butterfly Trust
Image courtesy of Kalee Vidanapathirana
Effects
Many other animals live in the forests of the Ceylon rose, including many other swallowtail butterflies. Creating reserves to protect these animals and creating laws enforcing sustainable ways to obtain resources will eventually help all animals, including humans.
The main thing you can do is raise awareness about the Ceylon rose. You can also advocate for more sustainable ways for agriculture that benefit and include local people and animals.
What Can You Do?
sources cited
Ceylon Rose: Atrophaneura jophon. (2018, July 26). Retrieved October 18, 2020, from https://www.sbbt.org.uk/ceylon-rose/
Sr., T. (2018, October 31). Ceylon Rose. Retrieved October 18, 2020, from https://www.ourbreathingplanet.com/ceylon-rose/
Ministry of Forestry and Environment. (1999). Biodiversity Conservation in Sri Lanka: A Framework for Action. Retrieved October 18, 2020, from https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/lk/lk-nbsap-01-en.pdf