[ Prafulla Kaman ]
PASIGHAT, Nov 20: A team of environmentalists recorded about 130 species during its survey of butterfly species in the foothill areas near Pasighat town recently.
The team under the banner of ‘State Foundation for Biodiversity Conservation’, in collaboration with the state’s Forest Department conducted a two-day camp and the second edition of Butterfly & Biodiversity Meet at Pasighat on November 18 and 19 last.
The researchers say that butterflies have vital role in pollination, and have a biotic factor on the environment. They are very sensitive to natural phenomenon, like climate change and ecological disaster.
Siang valley, adjacent to Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve (DDBR) is a suitable habitat for varieties of butterflies. The natural flora, endowed with evergreen forests and angiosperms and perennial streams supports comfortable survival and natural breeding of the winged species.
According to the Itanagar-based State Forest Research Institute (SFRI) report, the hilly state so far has recorded more than 450 species of butterflies in the DDBR.
One of the rarest species – Bhagadatta (Austenia Purpurascens) – discovered by Bombay Natural History Society in 1915 near then Abor Hills in East Siang district, was rediscovered at Molo area of the DDBR after a century.
The butterfly study team, led by Dr Joram Khopey also conducted survey on medicinal herbs found in the natural vegetation.
