India's Second Butterfly Biodiversity Hotspot: National Park Boasts 446 Species
Assam’s Kaziranga National Park, has earned one more accolade to its name. Through years of research carried out by Dr Monsoon Jyoti Gogoi, a young lepidopterist hailing from Kaziranga, have discove...
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Assam's Kaziranga National Park has recently been recognized for its significant butterfly diversity. Dr. Monsoon Jyoti Gogoi, a dedicated lepidopterist from Kaziranga, conducted extensive research and identified 446 butterfly species within the park. This discovery positions Kaziranga as the second most diverse butterfly habitat in India, following Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh. Since 2007, Gogoi has been studying butterflies and has recently published a comprehensive guidebook documenting the 446 butterfly species found in Kaziranga. Notably, 18 of these species are new to India, such as the Burmese Threering, Glassy Cerulean, and Dark-bordered Hedge Blue. These findings highlight the importance of butterflies in Kaziranga's conservation efforts, alongside its well-known 'Big Five' species. The first Butterfly Conservation Meet was held this year to assess the status of butterflies, drawing 40 enthusiasts from various organizations and universities. Discussions included insights on butterfly taxonomy and a call for increased focus on monitoring and protecting butterfly habitats within Kaziranga. Dr. Jyoti Gogoi expressed that these accomplishments hold special significance for the park's conservation efforts.Kaziranga National Park, situated beyond the Himalayan and Patkai mountain ranges, boasts an impressive array of species diversity. The neighboring Panbari Reserve Forest in Kaziranga is also a habitat for a diverse range of butterfly species. This national park in Assam spans across Golaghat, Sonitpur, Biswanath, and Nagaon districts, and is known for hosting a significant population of Indian rhinoceroses, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.