Significant Butterfly Diversity Documented at Behali Wildlife Sanctuary
Celebrating Butterfly Diversity
A total of 223 nature enthusiasts participated in the two-day butterfly walk programme at Behali Wildlife Sanctuary (Photo: AT)
Biswanath, Sept 28: Over 150 different butterfly species were identified during a two-day event at Behali Wildlife Sanctuary, underscoring the area's rich butterfly population and reinforcing the need for enhanced conservation efforts.
This data was collected during the Second Behali Butterfly Count-cum-Walk 2.0, which took place across ten trails within the sanctuary.
Participation included 223 nature lovers, among whom were 189 students from various educational institutions in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
“We plan to publish a booklet featuring the species documented and aim to include them in Assam’s wildlife tourism map,” stated Karabi Saikia Karan, the Deputy Commissioner of Biswanath.
This recent count contributes to the ongoing documentation of Behali’s biodiversity. An organizer noted that the sanctuary has previously recorded approximately 53 mammal species, over 300 bird species, and around 275 butterfly species.
During the two-day event, which occurred on September 26 and 27, observers also noted 35 moth species, four frog species, two snake species, and two owl species during nighttime observations, highlighting the sanctuary's extensive biodiversity.
This initiative was a collaborative effort involving the Borgang Range Office, Nature’s Bonyopran, Wild Heart Foundation, and NCS.
Last year's butterfly count recorded over 94 species, and this year's event aimed to enhance awareness regarding the sanctuary's wildlife diversity and the importance of its conservation.
“From a biodiversity perspective, Behali Wildlife Sanctuary in Biswanath is among the most significant and rich areas,” remarked one of the organizers.
The organizers also pointed out the lack of butterfly conservation initiatives in the state, emphasizing that Assam currently does not have an official state butterfly.
“We urge the state government to designate a state butterfly to promote awareness and protection of butterfly species,” they added.
During the closing ceremony, reports for the Behali Butterfly Count 1.0 and Behali Bird Count 2.0 were unveiled, along with a brochure documenting 126 butterfly species, prepared by Loren Sonowal and Madhab Das.