Kaziranga National Park has emerged as India’s second-largest butterfly hub, with over 446 species recorded. The recent Butterfly Conservation Meet 2024 showcased the region’s rich diversity and aimed to promote conservation efforts.
Guwahati: Kaziranga National Park has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming India’s second-largest hub for butterfly diversity, boasting a staggering count of over 446 species. This achievement places it just behind Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh. The discovery is a product of extensive research spearheaded by Dr. Monsoon Jyoti Gogoi, a dedicated scientist based in Kaziranga.Recently, Kaziranga hosted the inaugural “Butterfly Conservation Meet-2024” from September 27th to 29th, attracting around 40 enthusiasts from various parts of India. Participants included representatives from institutions like North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Cotton University, and several colleges in Assam, as well as members from the Maharashtra Forest Department, Corbett Foundation, and the North East Butterflies group. The event was designed to delve into butterfly diversity and enhance public understanding of their ecological significance.A key highlight of the meet was a captivating presentation by Gaurab Nandi Das from the Czech Republic on the “Taxonomy of Butterflies.” This in-depth discussion was well-received, providing attendees with valuable insights into butterfly classification. Following the presentations, participants engaged in butterfly observation throughout the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong landscape, particularly in the Panbari Reserve Forest, known for its rich butterfly population. During these activities, a total of 85 butterfly species were observed.Another significant feature of the event was the unveiling of a new pictorial guidebook on butterflies, authored by Dr. Gogoi. This comprehensive guide documents the 446 species found in Kaziranga, including 18 new records for India. Among these new entries are the Burmese Threering, Glassy Cerulean, and Great Red-vein Lancer, which add to the park’s impressive biodiversity profile.Dr. Gogoi, who has been conducting butterfly studies in the region since 2007, expressed pride in Kaziranga’s newfound status as the second most diverse area for butterflies among India’s protected regions. He noted that this achievement is particularly noteworthy given Kaziranga’s geographical location, outside of the Himalayan and Patkai mountain ranges, which traditionally house more butterfly species.The Butterfly Conservation Meet serves as a platform to elevate awareness about the importance of butterfly conservation in Kaziranga. By showcasing the park’s diverse butterfly population, the event aims to inspire further research, habitat monitoring, and protection initiatives. The objective is to ensure that butterflies are recognized as integral components of Kaziranga’s conservation priorities, alongside its well-known “Big Five” — the Bengal tiger, Indian rhinoceros, Asian elephant, wild water buffalo, and swamp deer.Overall, the meet has established a solid foundation for ongoing efforts to safeguard these essential pollinators and the ecosystems they inhabit. As Kaziranga continues to evolve as a crucial sanctuary for butterflies, it paves the way for broader conservation initiatives that recognize the interdependence of species within the park’s rich biodiversity.
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