Thu Sep 25 17:38:09 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text, written from the perspective of *The Hindu*:

**Summary:**

The American College in Madurai conducted its annual Big Butterfly Month survey in September 2025. The survey, conducted by the Department of Zoology, aims to raise awareness and implement conservation efforts. While the department has been surveying butterflies on campus since 2009, this year saw a decline in the butterfly population in the main campus, although 36 species were recorded in the additional campus. The department plans to establish a butterfly museum and continues to research various aspects of butterfly biology, including wing structure and coloration. The college also has a butterfly garden to support conservation.

**News Article:**

**Butterfly Populations Dwindling on American College Campus, Survey Reveals**

*Madurai, September 26, 2025* – The American College in Madurai has released the findings of its annual Big Butterfly Month survey, revealing a concerning decline in butterfly populations on the main campus. Conducted by the Department of Zoology, the survey, a yearly event held in September, aims to raise awareness and promote conservation efforts.

“While we recorded a healthy 36 butterfly species on the additional campus, we’ve observed a noticeable decrease in numbers within the main campus area,” stated E. Joy Sharmila, Head of the Zoology Department. “This highlights the urgent need for focused conservation efforts.”

The department, in collaboration with research scholar B. Archana, is actively planning the establishment of a butterfly museum on campus. The museum is intended to serve as an educational resource for both students and the wider community, promoting a greater understanding and appreciation of these vital pollinators.

“Our goal is to foster a sense of responsibility towards protecting these delicate creatures and their habitats,” added Sharmila.

The survey, which has been conducted since 2009, also included butterfly counts and photography sessions to document species diversity and track population trends. Alongside conservation initiatives, the department is engaged in ongoing research into butterfly biology, including wing structure, scale morphology, and the chemical composition of wings. A dedicated butterfly garden on the campus provides a haven for these insects and facilitates ongoing observation.

The American College’s Department of Zoology has been involved in significant collaborative research highlighting the role of structural color and fractal geometry in butterfly wings. The Big Butterfly Month programme featured butterfly count and photography sessions to document species diversity and population trends.

The survey results serve as a reminder of the importance of habitat preservation and the impact of environmental changes on local ecosystems. The American College remains committed to its role in educating and empowering future generations to protect India’s rich biodiversity.

Read More