Reported by Manoj Kumar Ojha
Guwahati: Despite intermittent rainfall, 28 nature enthusiasts recorded 31 butterfly species representing five different families during a Butterfly Walk and Photography Programme organised under the WeForNature outreach initiative at Basistha, located on the fringes of Guwahati‘s Garbhanga Reserve Forest.
Participants from diverse professional backgrounds, including academia, research, healthcare, corporate sectors, media, photography, government services, and the tea industry, took part in the event. The group explored the rich biodiversity of the area and documented an impressive range of butterfly species despite challenging weather conditions.
Experts Pranjal Kumar Das and Nayanjyoti Moran guided attendees on butterfly identification techniques and scientific documentation methods. Renowned wildlife photographer and Aaranyak Organizing Secretary Udayan Borthakur conducted interactive sessions on butterfly photography.
Conservationists Monish Kumar Thapa, Akshay Upadhyaya, and Lakhminandan Dutta shared valuable insights into butterfly behaviour, monitoring, and conservation practices, while Senior PRO Pranab Goswami coordinated the programme.
The event also highlighted growing environmental concerns, with conservationists cautioning that rapid habitat degradation and unplanned developmental activities continue to threaten Assam’s rich biodiversity and wildlife.