Dibrugarh: A two-day nature exploration in Walong in Arunachal Pradesh’s Anjaw district has resulted in the documentation of around 85 butterfly species, offering fresh insights into the region’s remarkable biodiversity.
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.
With its mountainous forests, rivers, streams and diverse vegetation, Walong provides suitable habitat for a wide variety of butterfly species. During the visit, the team recorded butterflies belonging to several families, including species that are 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 successfully 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 serve as useful baseline information for future biodiversity studies and conservation efforts in Walong.
The team also stressed the importance of conducting more such nature explorations while creating greater public awareness about the need to protect local habitats and conserve butterfly diversity.
The latest documentation adds to the growing understanding of Walong’s natural wealth and could support future efforts to study and conserve the region’s rich biodiversity.
“We photographed 85 butterfly species in Walong during our two-day nature exploration. Rare species were also documented during the exploration. It was a great experience to see rare species such as the Empress, Chinese Yellow Swallowtail and many more,” said Debojit Sonowal, one of the wildlife photographers.
“We are very happy to have explored the beautiful nature and documented these rare butterfly species,” he added.
Walong is a remote border town situated at an altitude of 1,094 metres along the Lohit River in Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh. It is one of the easternmost administrative circles in the state, near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
Also Read: Mourning the loss of the man Nagaland called Uncle Niketu