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Northeast India, one of the most diverse biodiversity hotspots, is home to the Eastern Himalayan Mountain ecosystem, high altitude forests, rainforests, hills, valleys and grasslands, which are a perfect habitat for butterflies to thrive. The Riversides of Assam, Himalayan mountains of Arunachal Pradesh, Khasi and Garo hills of Meghalaya and the hills of Nagaland form the diverse terrains of the region.
Common species like sailor, sergeant, common birdwing, paris peacock, common/great nawab and red or leopard lacewing and tiger butterfly’s species are found all over the state. The state also has high altitudinal species of butterflies such as Bhutan Glory in Kohima and grassland butterfly species such as Emigrant, Yellows and Tigers in Peren, Dimapur, Niuland and Chümoukedima Districts.
The unique and vibrant butterflies like Green or White Dragon Tail and Sapphire are also found in Nagaland, while the species endemic to Nagaland includes Naga Azure Sapphire, Naga sapphire and Tiny Blues, found in all districts.
Butterflies are not just aesthetic but also play an important role in pollination, which is important for crops and fruits like mango, pineapple, etc. They also serve as food for birds and small reptiles in the food chain.
Changing climate patterns, peer pressure of developmental activities, loss of habitat are some of the main threats to butterflies.
As a researcher, naturalist and an avid butterfly watcher, the author has documented butterflies from Kohima, Wokha, Peren and Zunheboto Districts. The total documented species by the author is around 70+ species in Nagaland. Moreover, people like Wonchi and students & nature lovers from Chizami in Phek District have documented around 200+ species of butterflies in Nagaland.
Even though Nagaland has a rich and diverse butterfly diversity, the state still lacks proper documentation and does not have proper research done on butterflies, which is the need of the hour. As such, butterfly lovers and research scholars have the opportunity to explore and document these flying jewels.
Dr. Shruti Kulkarni,
Butterfly Researcher
(The author can be reached at kshruti1985@gmail.com)