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. 19/10/2024 5:03 PM
Kaziranga National Park, renowned for its population of one-horned rhinoceroses, has recently achieved recognition as India’s second-largest hub for butterfly diversity, boasting an impressive 446 butterfly species. This distinction places it just behind Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh, underscoring the ecological richness of Kaziranga.
Research led by Dr. Monsoon Jyoti Gogoi, who has been studying the park since 2007, highlights its abundant wildlife diversity. In September, the park hosted its inaugural ‘Butterfly Conservation Meet-2024,’ which brought together around 40 butterfly enthusiasts and experts to discuss the various butterfly species found in Kaziranga. This event showcased a strong commitment to the conservation of these remarkable insects.
Kaziranga’s butterfly diversity is particularly noteworthy, especially considering its location outside the typically species-rich Himalayan and Patkai mountain ranges. Among the notable butterfly species identified in the park are the Burmese Threering, Glassy Cerulean, Dark-bordered Hedge Blue, Ferrar’s Cerulean, Great Red-vein Lancer, Peacock Oakblue, Yellow-tailed Awlking, Dark-dusted Palm Dart, Clavate Banded Demon, Pale-marked Ace Yellow, and Onyx Long-winged Hedge Blue. Remarkably, researchers also discovered 18 butterfly species that had never been reported in India before during their studies.
Adjacent to Kaziranga National Park, the nearby Panbari Reserve Forest further enhances the ecological richness of the area by providing habitats for various butterfly species, contributing to the overall biodiversity.
Dr. Gogoi has taken significant steps to promote butterfly conservation, including the creation of a pictorial guidebook that documents all 446 butterfly species found in the park. At the recent conservation meet, Gaurab Nandi Das from the Czech Republic shared valuable insights into butterfly classification, emphasizing the importance of ongoing conservation initiatives in Kaziranga.
Kaziranga National Park is situated in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam, India. Established as a national park in 1974, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is globally significant, as it is home to two-thirds of the world’s greater one-horned rhinoceroses and represents the largest undisturbed area of the Brahmaputra Valley floodplains.
The park features a diverse array of habitats, including eastern wet alluvial grasslands, semi-evergreen forests, and tropical moist deciduous forests. This variety of ecosystems contributes to its rich biodiversity and ecological importance.
Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India, famed for its large population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses, which constitute approximately two-thirds of the global population. Established in 1905, the park spans an area of 430 square kilometers and supports a wide range of ecosystems, including grasslands and wetlands. Home to over 480 bird species, Kaziranga is a popular destination for birdwatching enthusiasts and also hosts significant populations of tigers and elephants. Its unique floodplain ecology is vital for sustaining its rich biodiversity, and ongoing conservation efforts are crucial for wildlife preservation in India.
In summary, Kaziranga National Park's recognition as a major hub for butterfly diversity highlights its ecological significance and the importance of continued conservation efforts to protect its unique wildlife.
