A Week of Butterfly Education and Conservation at the University Farm

 Last week, students from Le Bocage International School embarked on a collaborative and immersive learning journey centered around butterflies, their importance to our ecosystem, and their conservation. The initiative was hosted by the Faculty of Agriculture at the University Farm and spanned across three days - 29th May, 30th May, and 2nd June 2023.

 

The event kicked off on Monday, 29th May, with welcoming remarks from Associate Professor D Puchooa, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, and an introduction by Dr H Neetoo, the Head of Department of Agriculture & Food Science. The Agricultural Society (Ag Soc) members also introduced themselves, setting the tone for the day.

 

The highlight of the day was a seminar by Dr S Ganeshan, an entomologist. He enlightened the attendees about the life cycle of butterflies, the types of plants that attract them, and the threats that these beautiful creatures face due to natural activities. Dr Ganeshan also discussed the effects of climate change on butterflies, their role in maintaining the biodiversity of a garden, and shared stories from his scientific career.

Following the seminar, participants were treated to a guided tour of the university farm by Mr Busgopal, the Acting Farm Manager, Sanju, Technical Assistant at the UoM Farm, and Ag Soc students. Dr Ganeshan provided a practical demonstration on catching butterflies using nets, offering a unique hands-on experience for everyone involved.

On Tuesday, 30th May, the students from Le Bocage planted 20 new plants/trees. To help future visitors learn more about these new additions, the students erected wooden signs featuring laminated labels and QR codes linked to literature on each plant. The day concluded with a tour of the Zoology laboratory and a presentation of preserved butterfly specimens, led by Miss Jaumdally and Ag Soc students.

The week of activities culminated on Friday, 2nd June with a presentation of the newly created Butterfly Garden. Le Bocage students led a PowerPoint presentation, followed by a guided tour of the garden. The inaugural signage was erected, proudly declaring the garden as "A collaborative project between the University of Mauritius and Le Bocage International School.

This inspiring and educational collaboration between the University of Mauritius and Le Bocage International School not only allowed students to experience the beauty of butterflies and the importance of their conservation but also paved the way for further initiatives to protect our diverse and precious fauna.