In a bid to dissuade illegal wild bird trade, the Gaya forest division has developed Jai Prakash Udyan in Bodh Gaya as abutterflyrearing centre and promoting awareness among the tourists and the tourist guides by providing Services of butterfly release. The park is adjacent to the world heritage Mahabodhi Mahavihara.
The habitat will have designated plots for establishment and maintenance of the Resources required for butterflies. Altogether 18,327 square feet area has been selected for intense plantation and remaining part of the park is to be used for isolated and sporadic strategic plantation. More than 4,000 Plants of 55 species will be used to set up the habitat in and around the park throughout the year.
The centre will felicitate the breeding of prominent species of butterfly, including lemon emigrant, common jay, Indian jezebel, blue mormon, common rose, plain tier, blue tiger, plains cupid, psyche, common crow, common leopard, striped tiger, common ciliate blue, commander and grass demon.
In the Buddhist texts, the Bodhi tree is known as the tree of awakening under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. The tree is scientifically known as Ficus religiasa, which has an ancient connection with butterflies. Common crow, which is a regular visitor to Jai Prakash Udyan, uses the sacred tree to complete its life cycle.