Kaziranga elevated as India’s 2nd butterfly diversity hub with 446 species

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 16, 2024

The discovery of more than 446 butterfly species in Kaziranga National Park has elevated the park’s standing as the second highest in India for butterfly diversity, after Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh. This significant achievement is the result of years of dedication by Dr. Monsoon Jyoti Gogoi, a young scientist from Kaziranga. His work, which includes the documentation of 18 new records for India, such as the Burmese Threering, Glassy Cerulean, and Dark-bordered Hedge Blue, has greatly enriched the country’s biodiversity research.

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma through a social media post, extended congratulations to Dr. Gogoi, recognizing his contributions to lepidopterology. The post celebrated his findings as an important advancement for the study and conservation of butterflies in India.

These findings were prominently featured at the “Butterfly Conservation Meet-2024,” held from September 27 to 29, 2024. The event drew approximately 40 participants, including representatives from North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Cotton University, various Assam colleges, the Maharashtra Forest Department, and members of the North East Butterflies group. The meet included a notable presentation by Gaurab Nandi Das from the Czech Republic on butterfly taxonomy, which offered deep insights into butterfly classification. Field observations in the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong landscape, particularly in the Panbari Reserve Forest, revealed a total of 85 butterfly species during the event.

Another highlight of the meet was the launch of Dr. Gogoi’s new pictorial guidebook, which catalogs the 446 species recorded in Kaziranga, solidifying the park’s status as a significant butterfly habitat. This work not only enhances understanding of butterfly diversity but also sets the stage for future conservation efforts to protect these vital species and their ecosystems.

Dr. Monsoon Jyoti Gogoi, who has been meticulously studying butterflies in Kaziranga since 2007, emphasized that the park now ranks second in butterfly species diversity among India’s protected areas, following Namdapha National Park. This achievement is especially notable given Kaziranga’s unique location outside the Himalayan and Patkai mountain ranges, regions typically associated with high biodiversity. The extensive diversity found here underlines the park’s ecological richness.

The Butterfly Conservation Meet-2024 is expected to play a crucial role in raising awareness about the significance of butterfly conservation in Kaziranga. By shedding light on the region’s remarkable butterfly species diversity, the event has sparked a renewed focus on research, habitat monitoring, and protection efforts. This gathering ensures that butterflies, essential pollinators and indicators of environmental health, are incorporated into Kaziranga’s conservation priorities alongside its renowned “Big Five” — the Bengal tiger, Indian rhinoceros, Asian elephant, wild water buffalo, and swamp deer.

The meet has created a strong platform for future conservation initiatives, aiming to protect both butterflies and the ecosystems they sustain, reinforcing Kaziranga’s standing as a critical biodiversity hotspot.