Kaziranga National Park, widely known for its iconic one-horned rhinoceros, has earned a new accolade as India’s second-largest butterfly diversity hub, after Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh. The park hosts over 446 butterfly species, showcasing its rich biodiversity and contributing to India’s ecological heritage.
Research Behind the Discovery
- The findings are a result of years of dedicated research by Dr. Monsoon Jyoti Gogoi, who has been studying Kaziranga’s butterflies since 2007.
- Dr. Gogoi’s research revealed 18 new species of butterflies that were previously unreported in India, marking a significant scientific discovery.
Butterfly Conservation Meet-2024
- The first-ever ‘Butterfly Conservation Meet-2024’ was organized in September at Kaziranga to focus on studying butterfly species.
- The event was attended by 40 enthusiasts, including representatives from North Eastern Hill University, Cotton University, Maharashtra Forest Department, and the Corbett Foundation.
- Gaurab Nandi Das, a researcher from the Czech Republic, presented insights on butterfly taxonomy, highlighting the importance of butterfly conservation.
Importance of Kaziranga’s Location
Kaziranga’s diverse butterfly population is noteworthy because it is located outside the usual high-diversity zones of the Himalayan and Patkai mountain ranges. This makes the discovery of over 446 species a remarkable achievement, underscoring the park’s unique environment and rich vegetation.
Notable Butterfly Species Newly Recorded in Kaziranga
Some of the newly recorded species include:
- Burmese Threering
- Glassy Cerulean
- Dark-bordered Hedge Blue
- Andaman Yellow Banded Flat
- Great Red-vein Lancer
- Peacock Oakblue
- Yellow-tailed Awlking
- Pale-marked Ace
Panbari Reserve Forest: A Hidden Gem
Besides Kaziranga National Park, the nearby Panbari Reserve Forest also hosts a variety of butterfly species, adding to the region’s ecological richness and supporting biodiversity conservation efforts.
Main Highlights of Butterfly Research in Kaziranga
| Aspect | Details |
| Total Species Recorded | Over 446 species |
| Newly Discovered Species | 18 species unreported in India |
| Key Researcher | Dr. Monsoon Jyoti Gogoi |
| Event | Butterfly Conservation Meet-2024 |
| Key Locations | Kaziranga National Park, Panbari Reserve Forest |
| Notable Species | Burmese Threering, Peacock Oakblue, Great Red-vein Lancer |
Kaziranga National Park Becomes India’s Second Butterfly Hub -Summary:
- Kaziranga National Park recognized as India’s second butterfly diversity hub.
- Over 446 species identified, making it second only to Namdapha National Park.
- Research led by Dr. Monsoon Jyoti Gogoi since 2007.
- First ‘Butterfly Conservation Meet-2024’ held to promote awareness.
- 18 new species of butterflies recorded in India.
Kaziranga National Park Official Website
Also Read Latest Current Affairs 2024
Kaziranga has been recognized as India’s second-largest butterfly diversity hub, home to over 446 species, highlighting its rich biodiversity.
Dr. Monsoon Jyoti Gogoi has been leading the research on butterfly species in Kaziranga since 2007.
The event was held to raise awareness about butterfly conservation and study the species found in Kaziranga National Park.
Newly identified species include Burmese Threering, Glassy Cerulean, Dark-bordered Hedge Blue, and Peacock Oakblue.
Kaziranga’s diverse butterfly population is remarkable because it lies outside the typical high-diversity regions, such as the Himalayan and Patkai ranges.
The Panbari Reserve Forest, near Kaziranga, is also home to a variety of butterfly species, contributing to the region’s biodiversity.
Kaziranga is famous for its one-horned rhinoceros and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also houses elephants, tigers, and diverse bird species.