The actual state of Uttarakhand’s environmental wealth remains an issue that elicits conflicting assessments by foresters, scientists and activists. However, the recordings of authenticated sightings of various butterfly species either recorded for the first time in the State or after a gap of many decades are being cited as a sign of the considerable improvement in the condition of environment in different places of Uttarakhand.
Talking to ‘The Pioneer’, the Chief Conservator of Forests, Kumaon region, Rajendra Singh Bisht, said that of the three butterfly species recorded and photographed recently, one has been recorded for the first time in Uttarakhand while the other two have been rediscovered with one of those also being substantiated by probably the first photographic evidence of this butterfly.
Such developments like the presence and movements of butterflies being recorded in parts of the State are indicative of a sound and improved condition of the environment, especially when considering the vital importance of pollinators like butterflies in maintaining ecological generation and maintenance in the face of various factors detrimental to them, he said.
Statistical officer in the office of the Kumaon Chief Conservator of Forests, Shankar Kumar, said that he had photographed the Ciliate Blue (Anthene Emolus) butterfly in the Fatehpur range of Ramnagar forest division on July 24. This butterfly found in Sikkim, Maharashtra, southern and eastern regions of India has been recorded and photographed for the first time in the western Himalaya region which also includes Uttarakhand.
“Further, the Newar Three Ring (Ypthima Newara) butterfly has also been rediscovered and photographed probably for the first time in Uttarakhand since its earlier sightings during the colonial era. At present there is only one specimen of this butterfly from Dehradun in the Forest Research Institute’s collection. This butterfly was separately photographed in Nainital. The founder of the butterfly research centre at Bhimtal, Peter Smetacek identified this butterfly. The third butterfly- the Western Five Ring (Ypthima Indecora) which is not rare in the State has also been photographed for the first time,” said Kumar.
He further said that a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Indian Foundation for Butterflies, Krushnamegh Kunte, had identified this butterfly while also opining that this might be the first-ever photographic evidence of this butterfly in the nation as he had not come across any such photograph till date.
This is very exciting even though this butterfly is not considered to be rare, because of its being photographed probably for the first time in India, he averred.
It should be mentioned here that for some years now the State authorities have been encouraging field research and studies focused on butterflies, especially in the Kumaon regions. As part of such surveys facilitated by the forest department, other butterfly species including the Kashmir Four Ring, Indian Cupid and One Spot Grass Yellow had also been recorded for the first time in Uttarakhand during the past couple of years, added Kumar.
Pollinators like butterflies play a very vital role as pollinators but were accorded comparatively lesser attention in general. But considering the global trend of varied threats facing or affecting pollinators including butterflies, the pollinators are now accorded more attention than in the past. Apart from ecological betterment, the world of butterflies is also being focused upon by the State authorities who also plan to add ‘butterfly’ tourism in the State.