Shillong, June 1: More than half of India’s butterfly diversity is present in Meghalaya,
This was stated in the book ‘Butterflies of Meghalaya’ released by the Governor Meghalaya, C.H. Vijayashankar, on Monday (June 1? at Lok Bhawan here.
The publication records 698 species of butterflies from Meghalaya, highlighting the state’s extraordinary ecological wealth.
During the programme, the authors informed that more than half of India’s butterfly diversity is present in Meghalaya, underscoring the state’s position as one of the most important biodiversity regions in the country. They further highlighted that the Garo Hills region ranks among the top three butterfly hotspots in North-East India owing to its unique habitats and exceptional species richness.
The book was conceptualised by Additional Chief Secretary and Indian Forest Service official HC.Chaudhary, who had served in the Forest Department. The effort was supported by the field officers of the Forest Department.
The book was authored by butterfly experts Dr. Krushnamegh Kunte, scientist and researcher, and Sanjay Sondhi, Founder of Titli Trust, who had extensively documented the rich butterfly fauna of the state through years of scientific study and field research. The print version of the publication was supported by the Eicher Group Foundation, the CSR arm of Royal Enfield.
Governor lauded the efforts of the authors, researchers, conservationists, and all stakeholders involved in the preparation of the publication. He emphasized that Meghalaya’s rich biodiversity is a priceless natural asset and called for greater public participation in biodiversity conservation. The Governor stressed the need to create awareness among local communities, educational institutions, and traditional local bodies regarding the importance of butterflies as indicators of ecosystem health and environmental sustainability.
The governor noted that the conservation of butterflies and their habitats is intrinsically linked to the broader objective of preserving Meghalaya’s forests, wildlife, and fragile ecosystems. He observed that such scientific documentation not only enhances knowledge but also serves as an important tool for policy formulation, environmental education, ecotourism promotion, and sustainable conservation initiatives.
The authors highlighted the critical role of community participation and local governance institutions in protecting butterfly habitats and promoting awareness at the grassroots level. They expressed hope that the publication would inspire greater interest among young researchers, students, and nature enthusiasts towards the study and conservation of butterflies.
The event was attended by scientists, researchers, conservationists, government officials, representatives of local bodies and environmental enthusiasts, all of whom appreciated the publication as a landmark contribution to the understanding and preservation of Meghalaya’s exceptional biodiversity.
The unveiling of Butterflies of Meghalaya marks a significant milestone in the scientific documentation of the state’s natural heritage and reinforces Meghalaya’s standing as one of India’s foremost biodiversity hotspots, an official statement said.
