“Butterflies are not just beautiful creatures; they are vital indicators of a healthy ecosystem”
Morung Express News
Peren | September 27
In a move to bolster biodiversity and conservation efforts, the Wildlife Conservation Society India (WCS-I) recently launched a butterfly checklist initiative under its Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme (ITHCP) Phase-II.
This project aims to link butterfly activity with conservation awareness in the villages surrounding Ntangki National Park, located in the Dimapur and Peren districts of Nagaland.
Leading the initiative was photographer and butterfly specialist, Tshetsholo Naro, affectionately known as the “Butterfly Man.” Naro, along with local community members, conducted surveys in several villages including Phelhang, Ikiesingram, Nkio B, Nsenlo, Manglumukh, and Biesumpuikam. The goal was to engage local residents in recognizing the ecological significance of butterflies while promoting conservation practices.
“Butterflies are not just beautiful creatures; they are vital indicators of a healthy ecosystem,” Naro emphasized during one of the butterfly walks. “Our surveys recorded over 100 species across these six villages, but this is just the beginning. Given more time, we could discover even more species.”
Naro, who hails from Chizami village under Phek district, has sighted more than 300 butterfly species in Nagaland. He is credited for discovering two rare butterfly species in 2013—Tawny Emperor (Chitori Ulupi Ulupi) and Comic Oakblue (Arhopala comica), which were sighted for the first time in 100 years, having last been reported in 1915.
The WCS-I initiative included educational film screenings on the ecological importance of butterflies, followed by guided nature walks with students, youth groups, and village council members. These activities fostered a deeper understanding of the relationship between butterflies and their environments.
According to local tradition, as shared by Ikiesingram village council chairman Ipheurai Pami, the appearance of numerous butterflies was historically linked to bountiful harvests. “In the days of our forefathers, we believed that when butterflies flourished, it indicated a fruitful year ahead,” Pami recounted. This cultural connection adds an additional layer of significance to the conservation efforts.
The results of the butterfly survey were promising yet preliminary. The recorded species were as follows- Phelhang village: 69 species, Ikiesingram village: 57 species, Nkio B village: 69 species, Nsenlo village: 47 species, Manglumukh village: 36 species, Biesumpuikam village: 56 species.
Naro noted that the higher counts in Phelhang and Nkio B could be attributed to variations in altitude. “The diverse altitudes create unique habitats, which contribute to greater species diversity,” he explained. He also pointed out that these surveys were conducted within a single day per village, suggesting that the butterfly list is only a starting point. “We anticipate discovering even more species with comprehensive surveys over a longer duration.”
Despite the initial success, Naro expressed concern about the declining visibility of butterfly populations, attributing this trend to deforestation and habitat loss. “Butterflies rely on host plants, and as their habitats disappear, so do they,” he remarked adding, “Each butterfly species has distinct seasonal patterns, which also affect their visibility.”
Highlighting the importance of butterfly conservation, Naro elaborated on their ecological roles. “Butterflies are crucial pollinators, and their presence reflects the health of our ecosystems. They serve as indicators of climate change impacts and can significantly boost local tourism,” he pointed out.
As part of the WCS-I’s broader conservation strategy, the butterfly checklist initiative underscores the importance of local community involvement in environmental stewardship. By fostering awareness and appreciation for butterflies, the program seeks to create sustainable practices that not only protect these species but also enhance the ecological integrity of the region.
Naro hoped that increased community engagement will lead to more extensive butterfly surveys and contribute significantly to the conservation landscape in Nagaland. “Together, we can ensure that our butterfly populations thrive for generations to come,” he stated, encouraging local involvement and continued vigilance in preserving their natural habitats.
Among the noteworthy species identified were several that are considered uncommon, including-
Pasha, White-edge Blue Baron, Orange Staff Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, Colour Sergeant, White Bar Bushbrown, Vagrant, Small Yellow Sailor, Gaudy Baron, Red Spot Duke, Water Snowflat, Grass Demon, Common Birdwing, Lime Butterfly, Orange Albatross, Fluffy Tit.
