Dibrugarh: A two-day nature exploration in Walong in Arunachal Pradesh’s Anjaw district has documented around 85 butterfly species, providing baseline information on the region’s butterfly diversity.
The exploration was carried out by wildlife photographer Mahesh Baruah of Bongaigaon, who is associated with Wiki Loves Butterfly, nature enthusiast and wildlife photographer Debojit Sonowal of Naharkatia, birdwatcher Anupam Nahardeka, Jyotikallpa Phukan and Debojit Nahardeka. The team also received support from the owner of the local Anunimai Guest House.
The team surveyed Walong’s mountainous forests, rivers, streams and surrounding vegetation, recording butterflies belonging to several families. Some of the species documented were relatively uncommon and less frequently encountered in the region.
Among the notable sightings were the Empress (Sasakia funebris), Chinese Yellow Swallowtail (Papilio xuthus) and False Tibetan Cupid (Tongeia pseudozuthus), all of which were photographed during the exploration.
The wildlife photographers said butterflies are important indicators of ecosystem health and biodiversity. They said the documentation of around 85 species could provide baseline information for future biodiversity studies and conservation efforts in Walong.
The team also stressed the need for further nature explorations and greater public awareness about protecting local habitats and conserving butterfly diversity.
The latest documentation adds to the understanding of Walong’s biodiversity and could support future studies and conservation efforts in the region.