Rare Butterfly Species Recorded in Arunachal Pradesh Survey

Itanagar: A two-day field survey in Walong, Anjaw district, turned up 85 distinct butterfly species. Wildlife photographer Mahesh Baruah, affiliated with Wiki Loves Butterfly, led the team alongside Naharkatia nature enthusiast Debojit Sonowal. Birdwatcher Anupam Nahardeka, Jyotikallpa Phukan, and Debojit Nahardeka rounded out the group, with the owner of Anunimai Guest House providing logistical support. They covered mountainous forests, river valleys, and streams.

The team captured visual records of several rare and elusive varieties. Among the significant sightings were the Empress (Sasakia funebris), the Chinese Yellow Swallowtail (Papilio xuthus), and the False Tibetan Cupid (Tongeia pseudozuthus). These findings provide essential baseline data for eastern Himalayan ecological research. Butterflies act as barometers for environmental health.

"During our two-day nature exploration in Walong, we photographed 85 butterfly species. We also documented rare species. It was a great experience to encounter the Empress, Chinese Yellow Swallowtail and many other species," Sonowal said. The researchers now call for systematic follow-up studies and increased community awareness to protect the region's diverse habitats. Walong remains a vital repository of biodiversity.